Russell T Davies urges you to stop asking if 'Doctor Who' is dead

Davies urges fans to stop asking about Doctor Who’s future as he is unaware of developments.

: Russell T Davies, previously responsible for Doctor Who updates, is frustrated by persistent fan questions regarding the show's future. Having been the showrunner from 2005 to 2010 and returning in 2023, Davies declares his lack of knowledge about future plans due to separate dealings between BBC and Disney. With Ncuti Gatwa’s tenure as the Fifteenth Doctor ending recently, fans are curious about upcoming plans, but Davies admits he’s not included in such discussions. Despite dedicating much of his career to the series, Davies stresses his attachment lies more with projects he owns, like Queer as Folk, advising fans with the word "Behave!"

Russell T Davies, former and current showrunner of Doctor Who, expresses exasperation at being repeatedly asked about the future of the series. Despite his integral role in revitalizing Doctor Who during its 2005 relaunch and again since 2023, Davies asserts his ignorance regarding any upcoming developments with the iconic series. This is primarily due to dealings being carried out between the BBC and Disney, neither of which Davies works for. Bad Wolf Productions, his current employer, doesn’t involve him in these dealings, leaving him out of the loop. Emphasizing this point, Davies mentioned in his recent podcast appearance that even his close colleagues lack insight into these proceedings.

Davies also compares his situation to other creatives who are similarly bombarded by fan inquiries about unfinished projects. Incidents before Davies include George R.R. Martin's perennial question about the anticipated final installments of 'Game of Thrones', and James Gunn’s clarifications around upcoming 'Batman' productions. Unlike these creatives, Davies feels he is not positioned to provide answers regarding Doctor Who’s path forward, though he remains proud of his contributions.

Conversations around future episodes have escalated post the conclusion of Ncuti Gatwa’s reign as Doctor Who. The successful transition of Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor was another landmark for the series. Yet since Gatwa’s character's regeneration, uncertainty has increased, leaving fans eager for updates. This pressure has not gone unnoticed by Davies, who continues to emphasize his lack of involvement in the decision-making process and urges fans to relax with the prompt "Behave!"

Further distancing himself from absolute ownership of Doctor Who, Davies highlights his primary passion for projects he originated himself. This includes well-known series such as 'Queer as Folk', which he created. While acknowledging his fondness and contributions to Doctor Who, Davies prioritizes projects that he owns fully. This statement underscores his previous attempts to direct fan attention away from him and towards the broadcasters and production companies responsible.

In summary, Russell T Davies is attempting to navigate a difficult position, balancing his rich history with Doctor Who against current professional boundaries and unclear future trajectories. While fans may understandably be anxious for updates on Doctor Who’s next chapter, Davies remains steadfast in declaring his detachment from such developments, reminding enthusiasts that sometimes patient waiting is necessary.

Sources: Gizmodo, DoctorWhoTV, Deadline, BBC