RTD: A Fool Would Doubt Doctor Who’s Future, But Admits BBC Is Still Noncommittal

Russell T Davies has reiterated that Doctor Who’s immediate future beyond 2025 remains uncertain, yet he declared a “fool” would doubt Doctor Who’s future.

Speaking on Radio 4’s Today program, Davies said the BBC has not yet committed to a third series featuring Ncuti Gatwa. The decision on whether to move forward will depend on the network’s evaluation following Series 15 in 2025.

“We don’t know if there’s a third series yet. [Series 15] will go out in the summer [2025] and then they’ll decide it. The BBC will decide, as well, its future. But I’m happy to stay with it. I love it. It’s more fun than anything else,” he said.

Davies also reflected on the co-production deal with Disney+. “It’s a lovely experiment. We’ve had a great time,” Davies said.

“Every single drama you ever watch on television has had American money or co-production money in it for about 25 years. So, this is actually nothing new.”

The use of “experiment” and “had” has fueled speculation that the Disney partnership could be ending after next year, which aligns with the Deadline article from earlier in 2024.

However, despite all the uncertainties, Davies expressed confidence in the resilience of Doctor Who as a franchise. “It’s a fool who doubts Doctor Who’s future! I think it’s like 61, this year and yes, it would have found some different shape, some different form. There is a version that could go out late at night on BBC Three.”