Say what you like about Disney, but the company — which is currently celebrating 100 years of existence — doesn’t let a good IP go to waste. Once it’s got its fingers on a lucrative new franchise, you can bet we’ll be getting an endless stream of fresh content based on that property, or my name’s Mickey Mouse.
Case in point, the BBC has made a historic move by teaming up with the Mouse House to relaunch its jewel in the crown, Doctor Who. The immortal sci-fi series is undergoing one of the biggest regenerations in its history this November, with returning showrunner Russell T. Davies restoring David Tennant in the TARDIS to lead three new specials to mark the Whoniverse’s 60th anniversary. And, after that, Ncuti Gatwa will take up the sonic screwdriver as the Fifteenth Doctor.
Gatwa’s first season of time-traveling escapades isn’t even due on our screens until probably Spring 2024, so it’s surprising to hear that production has already begun on his second batch of episodes. The BBC has confirmed Doctor Who season 15 is officially going before cameras.
Considering that we’ve had it hinted in the past that both Davies and Disney are keen to pioneer a fully- fledged shared universe, it’s no surprise that the main series is churning out new seasons with uncommon regularity for a show that has only produced 20 episodes in the past four years. I’m no Time Lord, but something tells me some exciting spin-off announcements could follow over the next few months.
Doctor Who‘s 60th anniversary trilogy will air this November, with all future episodes streaming internationally on Disney Plus.
