UPDATE: The BBC has confirmed the termination of its co-production partnership with Disney on the iconic Doctor Who franchise, citing concerns over a potential “woke” backlash as a significant factor. This urgent development has left fans and industry insiders in shock, as reports reveal a troubling decline in viewership and enthusiasm surrounding the series.
According to Deadline, multiple sources indicate that Disney executives grew increasingly worried about the show’s reception in the U.S., particularly under the leadership of writer Russell T. Davies. A former Disney executive stated, “It was pretty apparent from early on that this wasn’t for the long term,” emphasizing that the series did not generate the necessary viewership on Disney+ to justify its continuation.
The Doctor Who reboot, featuring Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor, faced significant hurdles. Sources reveal that there was “an alarming drop-off” in viewership, with approximately one million viewers lost since Gatwa took over from the first female Doctor, Jodie Whittaker. The series’ attempts to embrace inclusivity, including casting Yasmin Finney, a transgender actress, and featuring a historic gay kiss, reportedly drew complaints from some BBC viewers. An insider remarked, “The writing has been on the wall for ages,” highlighting a lack of enthusiasm for the project within Disney.
The collaboration, which was budgeted at an astonishing $11.6 million per episode, has now been deemed a failure by BBC executives. Disney insiders expressed regret over the financial investment, noting that it never felt like the streaming giant was fully committed to promoting the series.
In a recent interview, Davies defended the show’s progressive direction, stating that it aims to resonate with contemporary audiences. However, the cultural divide has raised questions about the future of the franchise, especially in the U.S. market. A source close to the production mentioned, “Doctor Who became ‘too woke for Trump’s USA,’ and this was a factor in Disney minds when it came to a renewal.”
As this story develops, the impact on the Doctor Who franchise remains to be seen. Fans are left wondering what the future holds for a series that has captivated audiences for decades. With the cancellation now confirmed, the focus shifts to how both the BBC and Disney will navigate the fallout from this decision.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds and what it means for the beloved series going forward.
