Peter Capaldi Talks Doctor Who Series 9, Reveals First Photo!

By Barry Rice | Jul 2, 2015

Doctor Who‘s current star Peter Capaldi is gearing up to head to San Diego next week with co-star Jenna Coleman and producers Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin for Comic-Con 2015. It’s widely expected that the Doctor Who panel will reveal many more details about the upcoming ninth series (and possibly a trailer?), but Entertainment Weekly got a jump on the action with an exclusive interview with Capaldi himself.

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Capaldi talks about his nerves when facing the prospect of speaking before 7,000 people at Comic-Con, and before getting into Doctor Who Series 9, he answers the question on the minds of most fans: what costume would he wear if he wanted to disguise himself as a cosplayer and walk the show floor?

"“A white walker from Game of Thrones. Or, from Doctor Who, a menoptra.”"

Okay, I’m kidding — that’s not the question most fans care about, but what a great answer! I’d pay good money to see Capaldi as a white walker. Or a menoptra for that matter.

Related: Doctor Who: First Series 9 Teaser Reveals Absolutely Nothing

As you probably know by now, the Series 9 opening two-parter, ‘The Magician’s Apprentice’/’The Witch’s Familiar’ features the return of the Doctor’s nemesis, Missy. So what can we expect?

"“In the hands of Michelle Gomez, Missy is more magnificently bad than ever before.”"

Interesting, if not vague. As far as the storyline for the premiere is concerned, this is all Capaldi would say:

"“It places the Doctor in a conflict that is central to his being, as well as containing some subtle tributes to the ’60s, and truly wonderful guest performances.”"

Along with the interview, EW has an exclusive first-look photo from the Series 9 premiere (which can be partly seen above). The photo shows the Twelfth Doctor exiting the TARDIS with a striking look of shock and anger on his face. Here’s Capaldi’s description of the photo:

"“The photo shows the Doctor about to make a mistake that has cataclysmic repercussions.”"

Interesting. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say the Doctor’s mistake is trusting Missy. Moffat has mentioned in interviews that he was inspired this year by the camaraderie seen between John Pertwee’s Third Doctor and Roger Delgado’s original Master and the fact that the Doctor and the Master used to be friends.

Related: Doctor Who Series 9 to Premiere in September?

It does sound like the Doctor’s gruff attitude may be softening a bit this year, both in general and in regards to his companion, Clara:

"“He’s throwing himself into life with a newfound hunger for adventure. He’s in pursuit of joy and grabbing every thrill that he can along the way. But I sense him running from something, that even he does not yet understand.”"

While I personally enjoyed some aspects of the angsty Twelfth Doctor last year (within reason — the “am I a good man?” stuff was absolute nonsense), I do like the sound of a Doctor who’s hungry for adventure. Here’s Capaldi on the Doctor and Clara this year:

"“They’ve suddenly realized that they are the most fortunate people in all of time and space and are hellbent on adventure. Jenna continues to deliver a beautifully nuanced, complex, and funny performance that marks her out as one of the best companions ever.”"

For much more, including the full first-look photo and Capaldi’s thoughts on working with Game of Thrones‘ Maisie Williams and whether Jenna Coleman is leaving this year, check out the full interview at EW.com, or pick up the new Entertainment Weekly Comic-Con preview issue, on sale today.

What do you think? Do you like the direction the show seems to be going? Are you excited by the new photo? Sound off in the comments below!

Next: Why Isn't Doctor Who Series 8 Streaming on Netflix Yet?!

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