Doctor Who will live on "with or without Disney," the BBC has now said, as the wait for the show's renewal continues.
The BBC's big deal with Disney to co-fund the future of Doctor Who was trumpeted back in late 2022 as a fresh dawn for the veteran sci-fi series. But after just two seasons, released to a mixed response, and the decision by star Ncuti Gatwa to stand down from the series' title role, the silence around Doctor Who's future has prompted fan concern – and speculation that a lengthy hiatus is now on the cards.
Now, the BBC has publicly acknowledged a future where Disney is no longer tied to the series' production – a marked change from the broadcaster's previous hopes of a quick renewal.
"Any Whovians out there, rest assured – Doctor Who is going nowhere," BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips said during the Edinburgh TV Festival, as reported by Radio Times.
"Disney has been a great partnership and it continues with [spin-off series] The War Between The Land And The Sea next year but, going forward, with or without Disney, Doctor Who will still be on the BBC."
On the one hand, the simple assertion that Doctor Who – a BBC show – will continue to be on the BBC is hardly surprising. On the other, the fact that this had to be stated at all, let alone the public acknowledgement that Disney could possibly no longer be involved, has only raised fan eyebrows further.
And there's what hasn't been said here: any suggestion for when the next session of Doctor Who will be commissioned, filmed, and ultimately aired.
Phillips wrapped up by stating: "The TARDIS is going nowhere" – a perhaps unfortunately-worded statement that may ring close to the truth.
Earlier this month, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies admitted he was still in the dark regarding the series' future, despite having scripts ready for its next season. "I'm not allowed to say what's happening with Doctor Who, I don't know what's happening with Doctor Who," Davies said. "I don't know because conversations are between the BBC and Disney."
Amid criticism of the series' writing and story arcs, Doctor Who actor and writer Mark Gatiss recently suggested the show was in need of a rest. And as questions remain around the future of the BBC's deal with Disney, it was perhaps notable that plans for an animated Doctor Who spin-off have been announced for kid's channel CBeebies without Disney being on board.
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