Former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat has no plans to return
"It's fine without me!" says Moffat. Also, the first-ever Doctor Who director from back in the 60s, Waris Hussein, is fully behind current showrunner Russell T Davies.
By Ariba Bhuvad
If you're wondering whether or not former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat — who managed things during the tenures of Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi — will ever return to the franchise, it would appear not. While chatting with RadioTimes.com, Moffat said he feels like the franchise is in good hands with current showrunner Russell T Davies and the new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa.
His response was quite hilarious, to say the least. "Look at my aging face. How can I fit in?" Moffat said (he's two years old than Davies, for the record). "And I know, because I've seen the feedback, that people think I'm being evasive on the subject."
"The truth is, if I say anything negative about Doctor Who it goes everywhere, like boom, everywhere, right? It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about Doctor Who. The fact is, it's fine without me."
Of course, there are no hard feelings, and I'm loving the support and love all around. Moffat shared his enthusiasm for the next chapter of Doctor Who which finds Davies — who originally rebooted Doctor Who back in 2005 before handing the baton to Moffat — back at the realm after a long break. If you watched the 60th anniversary specials and/or the 2023 holiday special, you are aware of exactly what Moffat means. I mean, that was a phenomenal return to the good 'ol days of Doctor Who.
The future of Doctor Who according to Steven Moffat
Moffat's confidence in the future of Doctor Who comes from his faith in Davies. "We've got Russell there. We've got a bunch of new writers there. We've got Ncuti [Gatwa, Fifteenth Doctor] there. It's all good," he said.
Looking ahead to the new era of Doctor Who is exciting. Ncuti Gatwa's first full season as the Doctor kicks off in May 2024, with Millie Gibson as his companion, Ruby Sunday. Season 15 has already begun filming, which is wonderful.
There are reports that Gibson is on her way out as the Doctor's companion after doing just one season, which will be an interesting shake-up. She'll be replaced by a new companion played by Varada Sethu.
First-ever Doctor Who director loves Russell T Davies
Radio Times also spoke to Waris Hussein, the man who directed the first-ever episode of Doctor Who, "An Unearthly Child," way back in 1963. He's 85 years old, still kicking, and enjoying seeing how the show has evolved. "It's bound to change," he said. "And it's fascinating to see how it's developed. I had no idea when I took it what I was involved with, and how long it would take to come to fruition. I’m fascinated by it."
And count Hussein as another one who has complete confidence in Russell T Davies. "I love what Russell T is doing, I’m a great fan of his. It needs a good writer. I had no script to work with - I didn’t have Russell T Davies. I wish I did!”
Check back on Winter Is Coming for more Doctor Who updates as we embark on a new era of timey-wimey adventures!
Next. 28 Years Later is officially coming — with Cillian Murphy potentially returning. 28 Years Later is officially coming — with Cillian Murphy potentially returning. dark
To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels