Doctor Who is experiencing a new era in 2024, with a partnership between the BBC and Disney bringing about significant changes to the iconic British sci-fi show. Showrunner Russell T. Davies is thrilled about the new opportunities this collaboration brings. One major change is the portrayal of The Doctor, now played by Ncuti Gatwa, who no longer has a traditional trademark outfit, allowing for a continuous rotation of fresh looks and styles. Davies was inspired by Doctor Who cosplayers and wanted to bring that sense of detail and creativity to the show, making The Doctor more relatable to children.
The latest season of Doctor Who features Gatwa’s Doctor and companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson, traveling through time and space in the TARDIS, battling various monsters and malevolent beings. The show is now streaming on Disney+ and BBC iPlayer in the UK, with new episodes airing weekly on Fridays. Davies has reimagined The Doctor as a more emotional and expressive character, fitting for the times. With Disney backing the show, the TARDIS has even made an appearance at Disneyland Resort in California, hinting at possible future theme park attractions.
Doctor Who has always been a merchandiser’s dream, and Davies is excited about the possibility of further expanding the show’s presence, potentially even through theme park rides. Another new element introduced to the show is music, with Gatwa and Gibson embracing musical numbers. While a completely musical episode isn’t quite on the horizon yet, Davies is open to the idea and continues to explore ways to keep Doctor Who fresh and engaging for audiences, both in the UK and internationally. The show’s ability to reach a diverse and global audience is a key focus for Davies and the production team.
The new season of Doctor Who even features British musical legends like The Beatles and Cilla Black, with Davies aiming to introduce audiences to these iconic figures in an entertaining and respectful manner. Embracing cultural references that may not be familiar to all viewers is part of the show’s charm, encouraging audiences to explore and learn about new things. The partnership with Disney has allowed Doctor Who to be dubbed into numerous foreign languages, expanding its reach and accessibility to a wider audience across the world.
As the latest season of Doctor Who unfolds, Davies remains focused on keeping the show exciting and topical, with each episode offering a unique and unpredictable experience. The collaboration between the BBC and Disney has brought new opportunities and resources to the production, allowing for ambitious storytelling and creative choices. While there is excitement about the future of Doctor Who, Davies acknowledges the challenges of maintaining the show’s innovative and diverse nature, always striving to push boundaries and surprise audiences with each new episode. Overall, the new era of Doctor Who promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable journey for fans old and new.
