Archie Panjabi to Portray Villain in ‘Doctor Who’ Season on Disney+ and BBC
Emmy Award-winning actress Archie Panjabi is set to take on a villainous role in the upcoming second season of the popular series “Doctor Who.” The show, which airs on both BBC and Disney+, is scheduled to make its return in 2025. Panjabi’s character details are being kept tightly under wraps, with both BBC and Disney+ opting not to comment on the specifics.
Joining the cast alongside Panjabi are Ncuti Gatwa, who plays the Time Lord, Millie Gibson as his companion Ruby Sunday, and Varada Sethu as the co-companion Belinda Chandra. In the first season, starring Gatwa, the Doctor and Ruby Sunday embark on thrilling adventures across various time periods and locations, encountering friends and foes alike, including formidable enemies and captivating allies.
“Doctor Who,” a long-standing British series that first premiered in 1963, revolves around the Doctor, an extraterrestrial being with the ability to regenerate into different forms. Over the years, the Doctor has been portrayed by a succession of actors, including William Hartnell, Tom Baker, Peter Capaldi, and Jodie Whittaker, among others.
The holiday special “Joy to the World” is set to air on Christmas Day on Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, featuring Gatwa and Nicola Coughlan in leading roles. The show is produced by Bad Wolf in collaboration with BBC Studios for Disney Branded Television and BBC. Russell T Davies serves as the showrunner, executive producer, and writer, with a team of additional executive producers on board.
Archie Panjabi, known for her Emmy-winning performance in “The Good Wife,” has made a name for herself in both film and television. Her diverse acting credits include roles in “Bend It Like Beckham,” “The Constant Gardener,” “A Mighty Heart,” and “San Andreas.” Panjabi has also appeared in acclaimed TV series such as “The Fall,” “Shetland,” “Blindspot,” and “Snowpiercer.”
Panjabi’s role as Kalinda Sharma in “The Good Wife” earned her critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She currently stars in and executive-produces the Peacock Original series “Departure.” With her impressive track record in the industry, Panjabi’s addition to the “Doctor Who” cast is sure to bring a new dimension of intrigue and excitement to the series.
