Former Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss has expressed skepticism about the BBC's current approach to reviving the long-running science fiction series, suggesting that a swift return may not materialize. The show is presently off-air, with no confirmed lead actor, showrunner, or production team following departures from key creative roles and production partners.
This situation follows a recent U-turn on plans for a Christmas Day episode. The BBC has stated it is putting the rights to produce Doctor Who out to tender, a process for soliciting bids from various production companies. However, several months have passed since this process was first announced, with no clear signs of progress.
Gatiss drew a comparison to the circumstances surrounding Doctor Who's hiatus in the 1990s, a period that ultimately lasted 15 years before the series fully returned. "When it was cancelled in 1989 the BBC made a big statement saying 'We're committed to taking Doctor Who through the '90s.' They put it out to tender then, and then it just quietly didn't happen, and I have a feeling maybe that's what's going to happen," Gatiss told Radio Times. He believes that while the show's successful revival in recent years was remarkable, a break might be necessary for fresh ideas and new creative direction.
Reports from Deadline indicate a hesitancy among production companies to take on Doctor Who, citing the challenges associated with its legacy and recent financial dealings. One anonymous source described the prospect as "a bit of a nightmare for any producer in this market with the shadow of the Disney fallout." Another suggested that potential new episodes might have a budget of around $3 million per episode, which is half of the funding provided by Disney for previous installments, potentially inviting unfavorable comparisons.
This sentiment aligns with earlier suggestions from former Doctor Who Magazine editor Tom Spilsbury, who posited that it could be "five or six years before we see anything new." Spilsbury indicated that the show's next incarnation would likely be brought back by a generation that grew up with it, fulfilling a prediction made by showrunner Russell T. Davies. While Gatiss does not believe Doctor Who is gone forever, he remains doubtful about the current tender process leading to an imminent comeback.