The future of Doctor Who appears to be hanging in the balance as doubts emerge over the return of key cast members, Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, for a third season. While still in the midst of filming the second series set to air in 2025, recent interviews with the actors have fueled speculation about the show’s poor ratings canceling the show early, as most incarnations of the Doctor in the modern era last at least three seasons. This uncertainty, coupled with fan dissatisfaction over perceived issues like bad writing and identity politics, has cast a shadow over the show’s prospects.
Millie Gibson’s recent interview with Fabric Magazine hinted at potential departures, as she discussed her plans for 2024 and expressed interest in pursuing new challenges and roles. “I think, now that the strike’s over, I’ll probably be auditioning again for parts and seeing what’s out there,” Millie Gibson said.
Ncuti Gatwa’s comments in a Rolling Stone UK interview and later in a Radio Times conversation also failed to provide a clear picture of his post-Doctor Who plans. “‘[Theatre] kept me warm and it held me all night, even if I was broke. But I’m planning on getting back to it, after I finish season two of Doctor Who,” Ncuti Gatwa said.
The potential exit of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson after just two series would mark a departure from the established pattern of modern-era Doctor actors completing at least three series.
Doctor Who’s recent troubles seem to have intensified with the 60th Anniversary specials, leading to a significant drop in ratings. The introduction of a new character, a trans man pretending to be a woman, and the subsequent handling of this storyline received criticism from fans. Russell T. Davies, the showrunner, acknowledged that the new season would upset fans intentionally, further fueling dissatisfaction.
The Church on Ruby Road, featuring Ncuti Gatwa’s debut as the Doctor, marked the lowest-rated premiere for a new Doctor since the 1960s. Fans have voiced concerns about the show’s direction, citing what they perceive as poor writing choices and a forced political agenda. The introduction of controversial elements, described by Millie Gibson as “the good sort of controversy,” suggests a deliberate shift towards a more politically charged narrative, alienating some long-time fans.
Ncuti Gatwa’s debut as the Doctor in “The Church on Ruby Road” Christmas Special garnered the lowest-rated premiere for a new Doctor in the modern era. The decline in ratings is seen as a troubling sign for the show’s future, especially considering the historical success of Doctor Who under previous lead actors like David Tennant. The show’s recent trajectory, marked by a shift toward identity politics and controversial storytelling choices, seems to have contributed to a decline in viewership.
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The pre-launch promotion for the fifteenth Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, faced criticism for what fans perceive as an excessive focus on identity politics. Gatwa’s accusations of racism directed at fans who might dislike his iteration of Doctor Who and his acknowledgment of pushing leftist agendas have further fueled concerns. Fans express worries that the show is prioritizing political messaging over producing content that resonates with a broad audience.
Doctor Who finds itself at a crossroads with doubts surrounding the future of key cast members like Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson with growing discontent among fans. The combination of cast uncertainty, poor ratings, and fan backlash raises questions about the show’s viability in its current incarnation. As the second series is still in production, the fate of Doctor Who remains uncertain, and the show’s producers may need to address these concerns to ensure the longevity and success of this iconic science fiction series.
What do you think of Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson already hinting that Doctor Who will be over by the end of their second season? Leave a comment and let us know.
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It’s not ending at all I can confirm to you that Ncuti Gatwa has signed a contract that runs until 2029 oh and the ratings we have received have all been in the 6.8-7.7 million range.
So Ncuti is going to do 7 years straight like Tom Baker?
I guess It will break the 3 year curse of Doctors only being around for 3 seasons/series/years.
Any truth in the (multiply sourced) rumour that Disney told you that Davros had to be played by a disabled actor but because you wanted Julian Bleach you ended up having to remove the fact that the character was always “in a wheelchair” in the canon on the show?
(even though it’s a life support module).