Disney+ and the BBC entered into an exclusive agreement in 2022, where Disney+ would be the sole platform for future Doctor Who seasons in North America. However, recent reports suggest that the partnership might be facing challenges. A write-up in Deadline hinted that Disney’s commitment to Doctor Who may not have been as strong as initially anticipated, raising concerns among fans about the future of the collaboration between Disney and the BBC.
The Disney Upfront showcase held in New York shed light on potential issues with the Doctor Who deal. While the event featured some Doctor Who elements, it was overshadowed by other Disney projects like Welcome to Wrexham and sports commentary shows from ESPN. This disparity in focus led to speculation about the status of Disney’s investment in Doctor Who.
The first season of Disney-produced Doctor Who, led by Russell T Davies, garnered critical acclaim. Despite its success, rumors are circulating that Disney could withdraw from the three-season agreement with the series. The financial aspect of the deal remains ambiguous, but reports indicate that Disney’s per-episode investment for the initial season exceeded $13 million.
Davies’ return to Doctor Who brought about critical success, largely due to his terms that included Bad Wolf productions’ involvement. Under the terms, BBC Studios would retain the Doctor Who intellectual property, while Bad Wolf would have exclusive production rights for upcoming seasons, showcasing a unique dynamic in the partnership.
Despite the positive reception of the latest Doctor Who season, featuring Ncuti Gatwa, concerns have been raised about Disney’s influence on the show’s narrative. Some viewers criticized what they perceived as a “woke” agenda, highlighting the prominent representation of LGBTQ and BIPOC performers. Davies defended the inclusive approach, emphasizing its insignificance in the creative process.
As the future of the Disney-BBC collaboration hangs in the balance, both parties have remained silent on any potential split. The budget for Doctor Who is projected to increase in the upcoming year, adding further uncertainty to the fate of the partnership. Fans eagerly await updates on the situation, as the outcome could significantly impact the future of the beloved sci-fi series.
