Doctor Who’s Future Stalled Due to Disney Issues, Says Former Writer
Mark Gatiss, one of the most prolific contributors to the modern era of Doctor Who, has spoken out about the uncertain future of the show, placing the blame on the reportedly troubled Disney deal.
Gatiss, known for writing multiple episodes across the Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat eras and for appearing onscreen several times has been part of the programme since its 2005 revival.
Speaking at the Italian Global Series Festival (IGSF), via Deadline, he said, “I don’t think anyone knows what is going on with Doctor Who at the moment.”
He added: “All I know is it’s all about the Disney deal.”
The comment comes amid mounting speculation over the fate of the show following the surprise regeneration of Ncuti Gatwa into Billie Piper. The BBC has yet to confirm whether Piper is officially the Sixteenth Doctor, further fuelling fan theories and debate.
Gatiss last wrote for the show in 2017’s “Empress of Mars”, and later that year appeared in “Twice Upon a Time”. Reflecting on his absence since then, he quipped, “I’m two Doctors down and once you’re two Doctors down, you don’t come back.”
The Disney+ partnership, reportedly worth around $100 million per series, was structured as an exclusive, multi-season deal. In television distribution, exclusive rights typically remain in place until the contract expires or is formally terminated.
Pending a last minute change, the Disney agreement will reportedly end after the new spin-off drops. If true, it may mean that the BBC must wait for the deal to fully conclude before entering discussions with potential new partners such as Netflix, HBO Max, or Prime Video.
