Russell T Davies has been a key figure in the Whoniverse since the show's revival in 2005. And while he might be back for the franchise's new era at Disney, he admits that his tenure is far from permanent. There are already conversations happening behind the scenes about who will take the reins when his time is up.
Doctor Who is going pretty steady at the moment. After a few years away from the show, Russell T Davies returned to the helm to usher in the latest Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, along with a new and rejuvenated story. The Whoniverse is now being made with Disney cash, meaning a bigger budget and exposure to the gigantic Disney+ audience.
The rebooted season 1 aired in 2024 to mixed reviews. Episodes ranged from fantastic, like "73 Yards," to downright disappointing, like "Space Babies." That said, Ncuti Gatwa's electric portrayal of the Doctor was a hugely positive takeaway. The British sci-fi show's performance at Disney was nothing to shout about, but the series will return for its second season this April. And moreover, there's even an ambitious spinoff series, The War Between the Land and the Sea, coming later this year.
While Doctor Who's future at Disney is uncertain, Davies is aware that he won't be a part of it forever. While appearing on David Tennant's podcast, he admitted that he "won't go back a third time," adding: "I’m not getting younger, darling."
"But I will need to slow down at some point. That’ll come. Last time it was Steven Moffat, that wasn’t even a day’s work, like, 'Right, off you go!'" Davies explained (Steven Moffat was the showrunner on Doctor Who after Davies left the first time). Davies revealed that discussions are being held about his successor. "There’s thinking about that, there’s conversations about that, but it’s hard. It’s a tricky one. But they better exist… imagine, I’m dead at the desk. The cliche would kill me!"
Doctor Who isn't the type of show to get altogether cancelled. It'll pretty much indefinitely have a home at the BBC. Someone is gonna have take hold of the reins at some point in the future. Taking over from Russell T Davies is a hard task, just ask Steven Moffat, and Chris Chibnall after him. But it can be done.
Doctor Who returns for its new season on April 12 on BBC One in the UK, and on Disney+ for international viewers.
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