A new rumor from YouTuber Mr. H Reviews claims that Disney has issued a demand to the BBC: if Doctor Who is to continue receiving Disney’s financial backing, both showrunner Russell T Davies and current Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa, must be replaced. This information allegedly comes from an inside source with a strong track record of accurate leaks.
This revelation aligns with recent comments from Davies himself, who admitted on David Tennant’s podcast that discussions are already underway about who will take over the showrunner role when he steps down.
Davies’ Comments on His Future With Doctor Who
Speaking on David Tennant Does a Podcast With…, Davies reflected on the process of selecting a new showrunner, referencing how Steven Moffat replaced him in 2010 without much fanfare.
“But I will need to slow down at some point,” he said. “That’ll come. Last time it was Steven Moffat [who replaced him], that wasn’t even a day’s work, like, ‘Right, off you go!’ There’s thinking about that, there’s conversations about that, but it’s hard. It’s a tricky one.”
Russell T. Davies at San Diego Comic-Con via Doctor Who YouTube
His remarks suggest that a succession plan is already being considered for the role of Doctor Who showrunner, though he did not specify when a change might occur.
Is Ncuti Gatwa on His Way Out?
In a bombshell claim, Mr. H Reviews states that Gatwa has already filmed his regeneration scene, signaling the end of his tenure as the Doctor. If true, this would indicate that the BBC is preparing for an upcoming transition, though it remains unclear whether Disney’s rumored demands played a role in this decision.
This also fits in with reports from sources close to Gatwa who have noted the actor wants to relocate to Hollywood. In another eyebrow-raising move, fans have noticed that Ncuti Gatwa has removed “15th Doctor” from his social media bio. While this could mean nothing, it does add weight to the claims that his tenure is coming to an abrupt end. Typically, actors playing the Doctor proudly display their title—Gatwa’s quiet removal of the label could signal that he’s already moving on.
Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor and Jonathan Goff in Doctor Who (2024), BBC
One of the more surprising claims from Mr. H Reviews is that Disney has a top candidate in mind for the next Doctor: Michael Sheen. Sheen has been offered the role before and turned it down, but with Disney involved, there’s speculation that a bigger paycheck could lure him in. However, Sheen isn’t known for chasing money, making it uncertain whether he’d actually accept the offer.
While a major shake-up seems inevitable, the bigger question remains: will Doctor Who continue at all? Mr. H Reviews suggests that outright cancellation is a real possibility. Disney has reportedly delayed renewal discussions multiple times, first aiming to make a decision by summer 2024, then after the Christmas special (which now isn’t happening), and now waiting to see how Season 2 performs. If ratings remain dismal, the series could be axed entirely.
No Christmas Special Planned?
Adding fuel to the speculation, Mr. H also reports that Doctor Who currently has no Christmas special planned for 2025. Historically, the Christmas special is filmed well in advance, making its absence particularly unusual.
Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor and Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday in Doctor Who Christmas Special “The Church on Ruby Road” (2023), BBC
Given the show’s tumultuous state, this could indicate larger behind-the-scenes issues.
Doctor Who Ratings Hit Historic Lows
One of the biggest factors driving these rumors is the show’s ratings performance. The first full season under Davies and Gatwa has reportedly drawn the lowest ratings in Doctor Who’s 60-year history. If Disney is indeed pressuring the BBC to make changes, it would likely be in response to this downturn in viewership.
Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor with the sonic screwdriver via Doctor Who on X
While these reports remain unconfirmed, the combination of inside leaks, Davies’ own comments, and declining ratings paints a grim picture for the future of Doctor Who. If Disney is truly calling the shots, major changes—or even the end of the series—may be on the horizon.
What do you think? Is Doctor Who heading for a major shake-up with a new showrunner, or could these rumors be overblown? Let us know in the comments!
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