Disney Decision on Doctor Who’s Future Delayed Until 2026, Says Bad Wolf

The future of Doctor Who with Disney will not be decided until 2026 now, according to Bad Wolf’s Jane Tranter.

As fans will recall, Bad Wolf struck a 26-episode deal with BBC Studios, bringing Disney+ on board as the international home of the series. Since then, two full seasons comprising eight episodes each have been broadcast worldwide on Disney+, along with the two Christmas specials and the three 2023 anniversary specials, making 21 episodes in total. The final five episodes of the deal will take the form of new spin-off The War Between Land and Sea, due to air in 2026.

“Then, and only then, does Disney+ have to make a decision about whether or not they want to do more,” Tranter told RTS.

“I imagine, at a time when Disney are having huge cuts themselves, and there have been slashes in programme budgets, they’re looking to take their time to balance everything out and decide what they want to do,” added Tranter diplomatically.

Despite all the uncertainty, Tranter was confident that Doctor Who is not in jeopardy. She stressed that the show will continue on the BBC regardless of Disney’s involvement.

She said it is not a question of “if” the series will return on the BBC, but rather “when” and “how”: “At its heart, it’s a BBC show and it will keep going, one way or another”.

This represents another shift in messaging, as showrunner Russell T Davies had previously suggested a decision on the programme’s future would come soon after Series 15.

With The War Between Land and Sea still awaiting a confirmed air date, fans face a long wait to learn whether Disney will remain on board and how the BBC plans to move forward. Until then, the future of the Whoniverse remains frustratingly in flux.