Doctor Whoshowrunner Russell T Davies has a worrying response about Billie Piper’s role in the show’s future. Piper first appeared in the show’s 2005 revival, as she debuted asthe Doctor’s newest companion, Rose Tyler. She remained closely tied to then-Doctor Christopher Eccelston, and the two remained bonded when he regenerated into David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor.
Piper left the show after two seasons, though she returned for several one-off appearances in special episodes. Her most recent return came inDoctor Whoseason 15, episode 8, “The Reality War,” as Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor experienced his latest regeneration. The Gatwa era ended as the Doctor smiled, stepped out into space, andregenerated into Billie Piper.
While speculation has been rampant about the show’s future, Davies does not have much insight to offer viewers. In an interview withYour Manchester, Davies was asked about Billie Piper’s new role in the show, especially given that there are hints that she may not be playing the Doctor. The showrunner simply shrugged and stated,“I have no idea.”
What This Means For Doctor Who’s Future
There Does Not Appear To Be A Plan
While Davies usheredDoctor Whointo the 21st century,the 2020s have been a regression for the series. It is facing declining viewership and rumors that the Disney+ deal is already at an end. The future of the show remains in doubt, especially given that no upcoming seasons have been announced.
Disney offered $100 million to the BBC in exchange for the right to streamDoctor Who.
The final decision aboutDoctor Whoseason 16has not officially been made yet, but it is concerning thatthe show has not yet been renewed. More importantly, Davies does not appear to have a plan in place for the series. While he was flippant and may have simply been avoiding the question, neglecting to explain Piper’s role is worrying.
Davies previously emphasized that he is attempting to display a “kind of internet age storytelling, whereyou just hope it’ll generate content” (per@dw3ebs).The Billie Piper castingcould be an example of that storytelling style, which means that the show does not necessarily have a plan for its future, outside of this stunt-style casting.
Our Take On Billie Piper As The Doctor
This Could Be A Serious Mistake
This is not the first time that Davies has had the Doctor regenerate into an old face. The Thirteenth Doctor, after all,regenerated into David Tennant’s Fourteenth Doctor, reprising his role as the Doctor after over a decade. This marks the second time that Davies is featuring this curious regeneration style, andit is already overstaying its welcome.
One stunt casting opportunity is engaging, but a secondfeels as if the show is swallowing its own tail. Rather than introducing a new and exciting actor, it is simply catering to old fans in the hopes of recapturing its former glory. It should be building on its legacy, rather than clinging to an aging audience.
Piper could make an excellent Doctor, butthere has to be an appropriate plan in place. Without one, this is simply a way to capture the internet’s outrage for a fleeting moment before returning to the question of what to actually do with the show.Doctor Whoneeds a plan, and Piper’s casting may not necessarily be the right one.
