As questions arise about the future of Doctor Who, one of its most active writers has suggested the show might need a “rest.” Almost two months after the latest season finale aired, the BBC’s popular sci-fi series has not yet been confirmed for new episodes.
Stream every episode of Doctor Who Series 15 for free on BBC iPlayer
The return of its co-production partner Disney is still unclear, and a well-known Doctor Who insider recently said the show will probably stay off the air for several years while production is paused. Amid all this, Doctor Who writer and actor Mark Gatiss was asked what he thinks will happen next with the long-running series.
Read More: Doctor Who Earns First-Ever Emmy Nomination After 62 Years
Gatiss referred to the time when Doctor Who was off the air for a long period, from 1989 to 2005, and said it might be time for the show to take another break. A friend and frequent collaborator of former Doctor Who showrunner Stephen Moffat, Gatiss has written nine episodes since the show’s 2005 return and acted in five episodes.
It’s been back for 20 years, which is an awfully long time. Almost as long as its original run. That’s pretty spectacular. So maybe it’s time for another rest. I really don’t know. I only know that I still love the show with all my heart.
Gatiss told Prospect magazine
Gatiss is one of the most experienced people to speak about the uncertain future of Doctor Who, after the latest episode showed star Ncuti Gatwa leaving through a reshot ending, and Billie Piper appearing in a role that has not yet been explained.
Even the idea that Doctor Who might go through another ‘dark period,’ like the 16-year break between Sylvester McCoy and Christopher Eccleston’s times as the Doctor, would have seemed impossible before. But now, there is so much uncertainty about the show’s future, especially since no actor has been officially announced to play the Doctor next.
Don’t know what’s happening yet.
Russell T Davies, Doctor Who’s showrunner for its past two seasons, has meanwhile simply said that the series’ makers
In the meantime, the BBC will fill the gap with a spin-off miniseries called The War Between The Land and The Sea, which has already been filmed and is expected to air in 2026. There are also early ideas for an animated Doctor Who series for the UK children’s channel CBeebies — but since they have not found a production partner yet, this project seems to be much further away.
Source: IGN