The Ncuti Gatwa era, a vibrant burst of energy for Doctor Who, has concluded, coinciding with a surprising departure: Disney Plus is no longer part of the journey. The split, after months of speculation, leaves the future of the iconic series hanging in the balance, prompting questions about what went wrong behind the scenes.
The partnership initially promised a new golden age. A significant budget boost – reportedly up to £8 million per episode, dwarfing the BBC’s usual £2.5 million – fueled ambitious storytelling. Yet, whispers of discontent began circulating almost immediately, hinting that this alliance wasn’t built for the long haul.
Insiders paint a picture of waning enthusiasm within Disney. One former executive revealed a sense that the show wasn’t “doing what it needed to do,” while others spoke of a “complete lack of enthusiasm.” These concerns coincided with a noticeable shift in viewership figures, raising alarms on both sides of the Atlantic.
While Doctor Who remained popular with younger audiences in the UK, overall ratings for season 15 dipped below three million, a significant drop from previous eras. Across the ocean in the US, the numbers were described as “underwhelming,” failing even to register on key streaming charts. The initial excitement seemed to be fading.
Beyond the numbers, a clash over marketing strategies emerged. The BBC felt Disney wasn’t fully invested in promoting the show, while others suggested a robust marketing effort was already in place. Adding another layer of complexity, concerns arose that the show’s progressive themes might not resonate with certain American audiences.
The series faced relentless criticism from groups accusing it of being “too woke,” particularly regarding the inclusion of a transgender character and explorations of sexuality and race. Showrunner Russell T Davies, however, dismissed these accusations, stating he simply believes in “an open door” when it comes to diversity.
Davies, a visionary credited with reviving the show in 2005, has navigated numerous challenges throughout his career. However, a respected voice within the industry suggests it may be time for a new perspective. The immense task of continually revitalizing such a monumental franchise may be too much for any single showrunner to bear indefinitely.
A festive special is planned, but beyond that, the path forward remains uncertain. Questions linger about the BBC’s continued collaboration with production company Bad Wolf, the potential return of Billie Piper, and, crucially, whether Davies will relinquish his role to a new creative force. The future of Doctor Who, once seemingly secure, is now a captivating mystery.
