The Timeless Conundrum: What’s Next for ‘Doctor Who’ Amidst the Disney Dilemma?
For over six decades, the iconic British sci-fi series ‘Doctor Who’ has captivated audiences worldwide, transcending time and space with its blend of wit, adventure, and timeless storytelling. As the longest-running television show in history, this beloved franchise has weathered generations of change, from the early days of the BBC to the global phenomenon it is today. Now, with the recent news of Disney’s stake in the show’s production, fans are left wondering: what’s next for the Doctor?
The Future of ‘Doctor Who’ Might Continue With or Without Disney
Doctor Who‘s shift to Disney+ in the U.S. (and other parts of the world), as well as its consolidation on BBC’s iPlayer in the UK and Ireland, means more eyeballs than ever have convenient access to the long-running sci-fi series—but that hasn’t exactly translated to blockbuster ratings. Current showrunner Russell T Davies said last June that he wasn’t overly worried about that fact, especially since Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor has caught so well with younger fans.
But it is something to think about now that Gatwa’s second season is approaching. In Davies’ column in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine (via Den of Geek), he looks back at what he calls “quite a run,” meaning his return to the helm of Doctor Who in 2023 after spearheading its initial revival from 2005-2010. That includes “the first order of three Specials, two seasons of Doctor Who, and a five-episode spin-off, 26 episodes in total. Shooting them felt like forever; it felt like 10 seconds.”
The Absence of a “Second Order” and Its Implications
That has a ring of finality to it, doesn’t it? While the piece conveys his deep love of working on the series both in the past and present (even as he admits “I’ve sat in Doctor Who FX meetings for 20 years now, and I still have no idea what the FX people are talking about”), and he teases team Doctor Who‘s excitement about season two, there’s notably no mention of what may come next.
Instead, the column talks about how quiet it is at the studio when Doctor Who‘s not in production (“now, the TARDIS sits in shadow”), and there’s no mention of a “second order,” which would presumably include more seasons of the show as well as the creation of a Christmas special for 2025.
The Importance of Ratings in Determining the Show’s Future
Davies doesn’t address ratings in his piece, but it’s hard not to wonder if the powers that be are waiting to see how Gatwa’s second season fares before sinking more money into future installments. In November 2023, after “The Star Beast”—the first 60th anniversary special spanning Jodie Whittaker and Ncuti Gatwa’s tenures on the show, with David “The Fourteenth Doctor” Tennant returning for a brief arc—premiered, ratings were strong but nowhere near the series’ highest point.
The Role of Disney’s Involvement in the Show’s Production and Budget
Disney’s involvement helped the show bring its production values up to date, which means Doctor Who is now a much bigger-budget show than it has been in the past. That’s certainly something that’ll be a factor if its viewership slides further.
Davies signs off with an optimistic “Doctor Who is forever, and the future is bright!”—although what that means in practical application we don’t yet know. Fingers crossed the new season, which arrives later this year, will bring enough success that Doctor Who can continue on in its current form.
Other Entertainment News and Updates
John Wick spinoff Caine will feature another familiar returning face. Eric Kripke teases The Boys‘ long-awaited Supernatural reunion. Plus, get a very tiny look at next week’s Doctor Who. Spoilers, away!
Superman
In response to a fan at Northern Fancon (via Screen Rant), Sean Gunn confirmed he’s “kinda” in Superman, and may-or-may-not be playing Maxwell Lord, as previously rumored.
I can’t believe Pedro Pascal and I keep going after the same roles! [laughs] I can’t answer most of those questions, I asked my brother [James Gunn] recently if I can even say that I’m in the movie & he was like ‘you can say you’re kinda in the movie’. So I’m kinda in the new Superman. I have really enjoyed the process of exploring the character – there is source material that my brother and I discussed, but I kind of can’t talk about any of that. I can say that whole world where Pedro Pascal played the character beautifully is very, very different from the world we are operating in. I think just the casting alone makes that obvious – I joke, because you are not going to look at me in general for those same type of roles [as Pedro Pascal,] he is amazing. I’ll be able to talk so much more freely about this after the movie comes out, but in the meantime, I loved the process of working on it. [From] what I have seen from the movie, which is not all of it, I’m very excited for an audience to see it. I have very high hopes as to how the audience will respond to it.
Caine
According to Variety, Rina Sawayama will indeed reprise her role as Akira in the John Wick spinoff movie, Caine.
The Boys
In conversation with TV Insider, Eric Kripke confirmed the final season of The Boys will indeed contain an on-screen Supernatural reunion between Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, and Misha Collins.
It’s a blast. We already shot it. I will confirm that Jared, Jensen, and Misha are all in the same frame together, and in the same storyline, and interacting with each other. Having the five of us back together on set [Supernatural director Phil Sgriccia and Kripke, himself], filming, was just so fun and like a high school reunion, and you immediately fall into all your old patterns. It was really heartwarming and nice to like immediately be brought back to these guys that I love and haven’t had them all together, at least in a professional capacity, in years and years. So it was really, really meaningful.
Doctor Who
Finally, The Doctor visits Nigeria in a brief clip from this week’s episode of Doctor Who. There is one word in the English language that, when repeated three times in a row, instantly conjures up something magical. It might be weird, and a little bit scary at times, but saying those words out loud guarantees a raucous adventure. They are, of course: “Zoom Zoom Zoom.”
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary
Disney Channel’s Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century is celebrating its 20th anniversary today. Loosely based on the children’s book series by Marilyn Sadler, the Disney Channel Original Movie stars Kirsten Storms as Zenon, a teenage girl from the year 2049 who’s spent most of her life on a research station in space. After uncovering a dangerous plot by the space station’s owner, she’s literally “grounded” and sent to live with her aunt on Earth. There, she learns about cute boys, ponies, and onion rings. Oh, and how the privatization of space programs will lead to nothing but disaster and death.
To commemorate the anniversary, I spoke with one of the film’s most-infamous personalities: Phillip Rhys, who played the rock star Proto Zoa. Known more recently for starring on Syfy’s Nightflyers, the upcoming Pretty Little Liars spinoff, and the “Husbands of River Song” Doctor Who special, Rhys still looks back fondly on the movie that made him a household face among tween girls (13-year-old Beth Elderkin would be having a field day if she knew this interview was on the horizon).
“I’m just astounded by the response because in many ways I thought it was just another job—a good job, but another job,” Rhys told me. “Every kid had a Zenon [and] Proto Zoa experience. It’s incredible, the encounters I have daily when they connect the dots. First they hear the accent, then they know I’m an actor, and then ‘Oh my gosh, you’re Proto Zoa!’”
Conclusion
The Uncharted Territory of ‘Doctor Who’s’ Future
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of ‘Doctor Who,’ the latest scoop from Gizmodo has shed light on the possibility of the show’s future trajectory, either with or without Disney’s involvement. The article skillfully dissects the key points, highlighting the tumultuous relationship between the BBC and Disney, as well as the potential implications of their partnership. A crucial aspect discussed is the ownership of the show’s intellectual property, which could significantly impact the creative direction and production quality of future episodes. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of fan engagement and the need for the show’s producers to strike a delicate balance between pleasing the devoted fan base and catering to a wider audience.
The significance of this topic lies in its far-reaching implications for the world of science fiction and entertainment as a whole. ‘Doctor Who’ is a cultural phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base spanning decades. The show’s ability to evolve and adapt to changing times while remaining true to its core values is a testament to its enduring appeal. The Disney factor adds a new layer of complexity, as the behemoth of entertainment seeks to harness the show’s global appeal. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the possibilities are endless, and the show’s producers must navigate this uncharted territory with caution and creativity.
As the Whoniverse continues to expand, one thing is certain: the future of ‘Doctor Who’ will be shaped by the choices of those behind the scenes. Whether Disney’s involvement brings a fresh wave of innovation or stifles the show’s creative spirit remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: the show’s devoted fans will continue to hold the producers accountable, demanding a future that honors the show’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The question is, will the show’s producers rise to the challenge, or will the pressures of production and profit compromise the show’s very essence? Only time will tell.