“Doctor Who” remains one of the world’s most popular and successful sci-fi series. The BBC show has a worldwide audience but has fallen on hard times in recent years. With the future of the series in doubt, a highly influential figure from the world of entertainment has expressed an interest in taking over the reins and bringing back a fan-favorite figure.
Dean Devlin, the writer and producer behind “Independence Day” and “Stargate,” has confirmed that his company, Electric Entertainment, is interested in becoming involved with “Doctor Who.” Not only that, but reports suggest that he would like to bring British actor David Tennant back as the Doctor.
The BBC Is Searching for a New Future for ‘Doctor Who’
The fate of “Doctor Who” was thrown in the air earlier this year when the BBC announced that the upcoming Christmas special had been canceled, while showrunner Russell T Davies revealed that he had departed the series. The corporation then explained that it was to begin a tender process in order to find a co-production partner to help fund and produce future seasons of the show.
The BBC stressed that it remains committed to the franchise and said the tender process is intended to secure the show’s long-term future. Importantly, the BBC continues to own the “Doctor Who” intellectual property, meaning a new production company would not be able to acquire the rights tot he franchise.
A few days ago, The Times reported that Electric Entertainment was interested in taking over production of “Doctor Who” and had been in discussions about partnering for future instalments of the show.
Now Devlin has released a statement to Radio Times, denying that negotiations between the BBC and Electric Company had begun, “preliminary or otherwise.” He did, though, confirm that he is interested and would enter discussions “when the proper time comes [and] when they are prepared to speak with people.”
Outside of Electric Entertainment, the only other company that had confirmed interest in partnering with the BBC is the broadcaster’s own commercially-funded arm BBC Studios.
More surprisingly, reports have suggested Tennant could potentially be approached about once again leading the series.
David Tennant Reportedly Eyed for Another ‘Doctor Who’ Return
Perhaps more surprising is the fact that Devlin has apparently expressed a desire to bring back David Tennant as the Doctor. Tennant originally played the Tenth Doctor between 2005 and 2010 and is highly regarded by fans of the show. He has since gone on to make several subsequent returns.
He appeared alongside Matt Smith and John Hurt in the 50th anniversary special before unexpectedly becoming the Fourteenth Doctor in 2022.
He remains one of the most popular Doctors in the show’s history, and his surprise transformation into the Fourteenth Doctor generated enormous attention ahead of the 60th anniversary. He was succeeded by the Fifteenth Doctor portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa.
Tennant then led three 60th anniversary specials before Ncuti Gatwa took over as the Fifteenth Doctor.
