cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/24377249

The BBC has assured Doctor Who fans that the sci-fi drama has not been cancelled, following an “incorrect” tabloid report.

The Sun stirred up concern that the long-running series was to go dormant again for between five and ten years, as it previously did after Sylvester McCoy’s final season – and once again after Paul McGann’s 1996 standalone film.

The speculation comes after perceived disappointment over Doctor Who season 14’s viewing figures, although the BBC and showrunner Russell T Davies have previously drawn attention to the show’s strong engagement from younger viewers.

The Sun’s anonymous source claimed that star Ncuti Gatwa was eyeing a move to Los Angeles to pursue Hollywood work – and that he had filmed a regeneration sequence for the end of the current run.

However, a spokesperson for Doctor Who commented: "This story is incorrect, Doctor Who has not been shelved. As we have previously stated, the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2 airs.

“The deal with Disney Plus was for 26 episodes – and exactly half of those still have to transmit. And as for the rest, we never comment on the Doctor and future storylines.”

  • sgibson5150@slrpnk.net
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    16 hours ago

    It’s done. RTD brought it (back) into this world, and if we can judge by the quality of the writing, he means to take it out (again). It’s ok, Russell. Robert Holmes wasn’t doing his best work near the end, either.

      • Riley@lemmy.ml
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        16 hours ago

        I liked it quite a lot myself, but I feel like in order to get mainstream audience’s eyes back on the show they need to do something really different, really spectacular. Matching the (excellent) vibes of the show from twenty years ago with the same man at the helm is going to feel stale no matter what (regardless of how much I enjoy it as an above-average example of status quo Who).

        • Value Subtracted@startrek.websiteM
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          16 hours ago

          Things have changed so much since 2005, it’s incredibly difficult to create a bona fide cultural phenomenon. And even if you can, sustaining it is a whole 'nother ball game.

          I guess I don’t really know what level of popularity is realistic…or even desirable.

  • haverholm@kbin.earth
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    4 days ago

    Okay, so "Doctor Who has not been shelved [but] the decision on season 3 will be made after season 2”… somehow it doesn’t calm me much that the Beeb may still shelve the show after the next (too short) season 😐

    • Value Subtracted@startrek.websiteM
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      4 days ago

      Well technically that would be a cancellation, not a shelving. 😁

      But I’m honestly not worried - even if Disney doesn’t renew, the property is a cash cow for the BBC, and I think they’d keep it going.

    • slazer2au@lemmy.world
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      4 days ago

      That’s kinda how tv is these days. They get greenlit on a per season basis. Very few will have a multi season green light.