Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has a very careful response about season 16’s chances amid reports that the sci-fi show will take a hiatus. Gatwa joined the series in 2023 in the final episode of the 60th-anniversary specials, where he bi-generated from David Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor in a battle with the Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris). Gatwa would lead Doctor Who across season 14 in 2024 alongside Millie Gibson, and will lead season 15 alongside newcomer Varada Sethu.
As Gatwa and Sethu sat down with Variety to discuss Doctor Who season 15, the Fifteenth Doctor actor was asked what the series’ future had in store. The actor avoided discussing the show’s future by stating he was still mentally preoccupied with the currently-airing season, praising both the stories and his co-star. Check out Gatwa’s full response below:
Did you hear the list of things that I just reeled off? My head is only full of season 2, because it’s been so epic. It’s very ironic that in a show about time travel you can’t talk about the future, but I can talk about season 2 and how brilliant it is and how brilliant Varada is.
What Gatwa’s Response Means For Doctor Who’s Future
The Show Is Currently In Flux After Season 15
While Gatwa’s response does show that he at least remains incredibly passionate about Doctor Who, it is clear that the actor is sidestepping offering a definitive answer. In October 2024, the actor stated during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show that he expected to return to filming in 2025, though the segment was ultimately cut from the final broadcast of the show. As such, while it is unclear whether Gatwa’s comment invited scrutiny from the BBC over his actions, it is clear that those involved in the series have been urged to be more careful about their comments.
Related
Doctor Who Season 15 Cast & Character Guide: All Returning & New Actors
Ncuti Gatwa’s upcoming second season of Doctor Who will see plenty of familiar faces making their return, alongside a few new additions to the cast.
Though he has previously stated he had rough outlines for Doctor Who season 16’s scripts and had been optimistic about the Disney+ co-production agreement, there has also been a noticeable change in how showrunner Russell T Davies has discussed the future of the show. In recent months, not only has he affirmed that an order for new episodes will only come after season 15 has aired, but floated the possibility of several production changes, including a hiatus and scrapping of the agreement. Therefore, even if Disney+ were to remain on board, there may still be a significant gap between seasons.
Our Thoughts On Gatwa’s Potential Doctor Who Future
The Actor Is Clearly Still Fond Of The Role
Regardless of what future Doctor Who may face, it is clear that Gatwa has not been deterred by any potential turbulence that has happened behind the scenes as Bad Wolf, the BBC, and Disney+ try to determine the best route forward. Gatwa joined the franchise during an incredible period of his career where he had several major opportunities lined up, yet still stated he’d hope to return to Doctor Who beyond his currently filmed two seasons. As such, while a production hiatus may be inevitable, Gatwa’s enthusiasm may show the Fifteenth Doctor’s tale isn’t done yet.
New episodes of Doctor Who season 15 air Saturdays in the U.S. on Disney+ and in the United Kingdom on BBC iPlayer.
Source: Variety
Doctor Who
5/10
- Release Date
-
December 25, 2023
- Directors
-
Douglas Camfield, David Maloney, Christopher Barry, Michael E. Briant, Barry Letts, Michael Ferguson, Richard Martin, Peter Moffatt, Pennant Roberts, Lennie Mayne, Chris Clough, Ron Jones, Paddy Russell, Paul Bernard, Michael Hayes, Timothy Combe, Morris Barry, Gerald Blake, Graeme Harper, Waris Hussein, Rodney Bennett, Mervyn Pinfield, Hugh David, John Gorrie
- Writers
-
Russell T. Davies, Dave Gibbons, Kate Herron, Steven Moffat
- Franchise(s)
-
Doctor Who