“Doctor Who” fans won’t have to wait much longer for one of the biggest events in the show’s history.
Before Jodie Whittaker leaves the long-running BBC series later this year and is replaced by Ncuti Gatwa as the time-traveling hero of the same name, fans will get three specials commemorating the show’s 60th anniversary. The specials, which will mark the return of beloved showrunner Russell T. Davies to the franchise, will star fan-favorite actors David Tennant and Catherine Tate reprising their roles as the Doctor and his companion Donna Noble.
“It seems impossible,” Davies said when the news was announced in 2022. “First, we announce a new Doctor, and then an old Doctor, along with the wonderful Donna, what the hell is going on? Perhaps this is a missing story. Or a parallel world. Or a dream, or a trick, or a flashback. The only thing I can confirm is that it will be spectacular as two of our biggest stars reunite for the fight of a lifetime.”
A new trailer for the show’s 60th anniversary celebration gives fans their best look at Tennant and Tate back in action. He also reveals the titles of the three specials: ‘The Star Beast’, ‘Wild Blue Yonder’ and ‘Giggles’.
The excitement won’t end when the specials are over, as many fans are hoping Davies’ presence at the helm of the show will result in another golden age like the early seasons of Tennant that he presided over. The prolific showrunner clarified that he’s just as excited to produce full seasons of episodes with Gatwa as he was to make the specials with his old collaborators.
“The future is here, and it’s Ncuti,” Davies said. “Sometimes talent walks in the door and it’s so bright and bold and brilliant, I just step aside in awe and thank my lucky stars. Ncuti dazzled us, grabbed the Doctor, and possessed those TARDIS keys in seconds. It’s an honor to work with him and a blast, I can’t wait to get started. I’m sure you’re dying to know more, but we’re rationing ourselves for now, with Jodie’s wonderful epic finale yet to come. But I promise you, 2023 will be spectacular!
The three ‘Doctor Who’ 60th anniversary specials will air on the BBC this autumn before streaming internationally on Disney+. Check out the new trailer below.
