Former Doctor Who Star Reacts to Regeneration Twist
Fifth Doctor actor Peter Davison is confused about "bi-generation."
Doctor Who is on the precipice of a new era, with Ncuti Gatwa stepping into the role of the Fifteenth Doctor in new episodes next month. Gatwa's Doctor made his debut in an unconventional way, when Doctor Who's trio of anniversary specials culminated in a bi-generation splitting him off from David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor. The storyline bucked the tradition of most of the regenerations on Doctor Who, and the impact of it has even reached some of the series' alums. In a recent interview with The Mirror, Fifth Doctor actor Peter Davison shared his thoughts on the "bi-generation", and suggested the possibility that it could lead to a cameo appearance from his Doctor down the line.
"The whole bi-generation thing is an interesting concept... The thing is I don't really quite understand it," Davison explained. "I was a huge fan of Doctor Who but I'm not as mad a fan as David Tennant. And the bi-generation basically apparently means that my doctor still exists so I can be brought back at any point, even with my older self to do a new story. I think that was the intention. Russell T Davies caught the ire of a few of the fans because of this very fact that it suddenly meant that no Doctor actually ever regenerated. There was always just another one, growing out of one."
What Is Doctor Who's New Season About?
This season of Doctor Who follows the Doctor and Ruby Sunday nthrough infinite adventures across time and space in the TARDIS. From the Regency era in England to war-torn futures, the duo champion the forces of good while encountering incredible friends and dangerous foes.
"At last, it's my great delight to unleash a whole new season of the Doctor and Ruby's adventures together," showrunner, executive producer, and writer Russell T. Davies said in a statement. "Monsters! Chases! Villains! Mysteries! And a terrifying secret that's been spanning time and space for decades. Don't miss a second!"
Who Is in the Cast of Doctor Who?
Guest stars on the new season of Doctor Who will include Aneurin Barnard, Anita Dobson, Yasmin Finney, Michelle Greenidge, Jonathan Groff, Bonnie Langford, Genesis Lynea, Jemma Redgrave, Lenny Rush, Indira Varma and Angela Wynter.
Doctor Who is produced by Bad Wolf, with BBC Studios for Disney Branded Television and BBC. Under the creative vision of Davies, the additional executive producers include Phil Collinson, Joel Collins, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter. The new season features episodes directed by Ben Chessell, Jamie Donoughue, Julie Anne Robinson and Dylan Holmes Williams.
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. He made his debut as the character in the third 60th Anniversary special, "The Giggle," last fall.
"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."
Doctor Who will return with new episodes on Friday, May 10th at 7pm ET on Disney+, with a two-episode premiere, followed by a debut on BBC iPlayer on Saturday, May 11 at 12am GMT, and a broadcast premiere on BBC One later that day. If you haven't signed up for Disney+ yet, you can try it out here.
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