Russell T Davies Clarifies: Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Who is Not a Reboot
Doctor Who showrunner, Russell T Davies, refutes allegations of Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor becoming a franchise reboot He also discusses the new villains set to appear in Series 14
Russell T Davies, showrunner for Doctor Who, has stated that Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor will not be the start of a franchise reboot. Gatwa will take over the lead role from David Tennant in the show's third and final 60th anniversary special, "The Giggle," which will premiere on December 2 on BBC One (UK & Ireland) and Disney+ (everywhere else).
He is set to star in the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas special, “The Church on Ruby Road,” alongside Millie Gibson as the Doctor’s new companion, Ruby Sunday. This holiday-themed episode will be released on December 25, marking a return to the tradition of Christmas Day broadcasts for the sci-fi show.
Following the Christmas special, Doctor Who Series 14 will begin, which Davies has indicated may be considered as a reboot, referring to it as “Doctor Who Season 1,” sparking speculation among fans.
Russell T Davies denies claims Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Who is a reboot
However, Davies has denied the rumors of a Doctor Who reboot. In a recent interview with SFX, he emphasized that he prefers the term "reinvention" instead.
"It's a complete reinvention," Davies said. "The show is brand new, but not a reboot. It's the same old show, but everything is starting fresh. It's all seen through the eyes of Ruby Sunday, and it's that wonderful feeling of a new era beginning."
Doctor Who showrunner talks Series 14’s villains
Davies also offered a glimpse into the plot of the Doctor Who Christmas special, suggesting that it will push boundaries even further than the second 60th anniversary special, "Wild Blue Yonder." "It explores new territory that we've never delved into before," he stated. "In many ways, it's even more... innovative than [Wild Blue Yonder]. We've never attempted anything like this before."
Readers can anticipate that Davies' commitment to innovation will also be evident in Gatwa's first full series of Doctor Who. While Davies does not categorize Series 14/Season 1 as a reboot, he has already announced plans to replace at least two iconic villains with new adversaries.
"It's completely new," Davies stated. "Ncuti and Millie are new... and it's a totally new era. So... there are no Daleks, there are no Cybermen, I wanted to focus on the future." Davies specifically highlighted the absence of the Daleks, stating that they "require a significant break" before facing the Fifteenth Doctor.
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Editor's P/S
Russell T Davies' clarification that Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor Who is not a reboot but a reinvention is an exciting prospect for fans of the long-running sci-fi series. Davies' comments suggest that while the show will retain its core elements, it will also undergo significant changes, with a new Doctor, a new companion, and new villains. This approach allows the show to remain fresh and relevant while still honoring its rich history.
The decision to replace iconic villains such as the Daleks and Cybermen with new adversaries is also a bold move that could breathe new life into the series. It demonstrates Davies' commitment to innovation and his willingness to take risks, which could pay off in the long run. Overall, Davies' vision for the future of Doctor Who seems promising, and fans can look forward to a new era of adventures and surprises when Gatwa's Doctor takes charge.
