Doctor Who: Former Showrunner Addresses Possible Return

Steven Moffat argues Doctor Who is "fine without" him.

Doctor Who is ushering in a new era, with the series' recent 60th anniversary specials kicking off a new cast and crew for the long-running series. Russell T. Davies, who oversaw the first few seasons of the modern Doctor Who era, has returned to lead Ncuti Gatwa's tenure as the Fifteenth Doctor, a move that definitely surprised fans of the long-running show. In a recent interview with RadioTimes, Steven Moffat, who showran Doctor Who for several years after Davies, addressed the possibility of him eventually returning to the show as well — and essentially shut it down. 

"Look at my ageing face," Moffat joked. "How can I fit in? And I know, because I've seen the feedback, that people think I'm being evasive on the subject. The truth is, if I say anything negative about Doctor Who it goes everywhere, like boom, everywhere, right? It doesn't exactly bring joy to the world that I just say something negative about Doctor Who. The fact is, it's fine without me."

When Will Doctor Who Return With New Episodes?

Doctor Who Season 14 will premiere on both the BBC and Disney+ at some point in May of 2024, although an exact date has not yet been set. In addition to Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday, the cast of the new season will include Jonathan Groff, Jinx Monsoon, and Indira Varma.

"She is very cool," Gibson explained with a laugh in a recent interview with TotalFilm. "I've said this before, but I think her dynamic with the Doctor is very much like two girls at school gossiping. They're very cliquey. I think the Doctor's not had that sort of dynamic before. It's really beautiful to see come alive when you do watch it."

Who Is the New Doctor Who?

Gatwa, whose work includes Sex Education and Barbie, was announced to be portraying The Doctor in May of 2022. While his long-term future on the series is not currently clear, the actor has expressed his excitement towards stepping into the iconic role.

"There aren't quite the words to describe how I'm feeling," Gatwa explained at the time. "A mix of deeply honoured, beyond excited and of course a little bit scared. This role and show means so much to so many around the world, including myself, and each one of my incredibly talented predecessors has handled that unique responsibility and privilege with the utmost care. I will endeavour my upmost to do the same.  Russell T Davies is almost as iconic as the Doctor himself and being able to work with him is a dream come true. His writing is dynamic, exciting, incredibly intelligent and fizzing with danger. An actor's metaphorical playground. The entire team have been so welcoming and truly give their hearts to the show. And so as much as it's daunting, I'm aware I'm joining a really supportive family. Unlike the Doctor, I may only have one heart but I am giving it all to this show."

Who do you think of Steven Moffat's new comments about Doctor Who? Would you want to see him return to the series? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Doctor Who will return with new episodes on both the BBC and Disney+ in May of 2024. If you haven't signed up for Disney+ yet, you can try it out here.

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