In 2023, Disney+ announced the international broadcast of Doctor Who. The goal was to relaunch the franchise with a whole new energy: a new Doctor, a new showrunner, new special effects... Audiences would discover Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. For the first time, a Black actor played this iconic role...
Towards the end of the collaboration between BBC and Bysney+?
However, despite generally positive reviews, the audience did not follow. The statistics were not favorable. British fans, however, remained loyal to the BBC, which owns the series. But the impact abroad was much weaker than expected. This is why Doctor Who may well be leaving Disney+ after only two seasons on the American platform. Some changes brewing behind the scenes could well mark the end of the collaboration between the BBC and Disney. The British media quickly criticized the series. Some even accused Doctor Who of being "too woke" because of the diversity of the cast and the rather inclusive tone of the storylines. But that's not all. The end of season 2 created surprise and anger at the same time. Ncuti Gatwa left the role. The Doctor has regenerated into Billie Piper, the cult actress who played Rose Tyler, his companion in the 2000s. Some fans applauded this nostalgic nod. But many saw it as a recycling of ideas, a lack of audacity...
Disney+ withdraws, the BBC explores other avenues
According to insider Daniel Richtman, Doctor Who is "dead at Disney," but not elsewhere. He pointed out that discussions are underway for a new broadcaster, although nothing has been confirmed yet. The BBC, for its part, remains cautious.
The decision on a season 3 will be made after the broadcast of season 2. The deal with Disney+ was for 26 episodes. There is still one spin-off to come: The War Between the Land and the Sea.
BBC at Deadline
Faced with the uncertainty, a rumor is circulating that the BBC could organize a special episode to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2005 reboot. This project would reunite David Tennant and Billie Piper, the duo who made their mark at the time.
There are discussions around a special project to mark the anniversary of Doctor Who's return in 2005. David Tennant and Billie Piper were an iconic duo. Audiences still love them. It would be a great way to close a chapter.
An insider at The Sun
Despite this turbulence, Doctor Who remains a monument of British television. The series has weathered many storms, and this is just another challenge.
In any case, if Disney+ pulls out, the BBC will have to find a new partner.
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