Russell T. Davies, a master craftsman of television narratives whose creative dexterity has been stamped across shows likeDoctor WhoandQueer as Folk, recently hinted at an intriguing could-have-been chapter in his career. In an exclusive sit-down withSFX Magazine, the seasoned writer and producer confided about an enigmatic opportunity that came knocking – a chance to steer a Marvel Studios project for the small screen, one that would have a distinctly British flavor.
The twist in Davies' tale is almost as fantastical as the stories he weaves – he was offered to head a project without being given a whiff of what the substance of that project would be.
“I got asked to showrun a British Marvel show, but [they said] ‘We can’t tell you what it is,'” Davies recounted with a chuckle. Even with Marvel’s ever-expanding portfolio, Davies is still bemused, unable to pinpoint which potential series might have had his name initially on the docket. His curiosity remains unsatisfied, as the supposed “British Marvel show” hasn’t emerged into the public eye.
Meanwhile, theuniverse ofDoctor Whois set to surge forward under Davies’ stewardship, marking his heralded return to the series. Anticipation is building for the iconic show’s 60th-anniversary season, which will see a fresh face in the TARDIS with Ncuti Gatwa, ofSex Educationand theBarbiefilm, taking on the mantle of the Fifteenth Doctor. Gatwa’s casting ushers in a vibrant new era for the long-standing sci-fi classic, and his addition to the pantheon of Time Lords has been met with fervent excitement.
Doctor Who: David Tennant Embraces Ncuti Gatwa’s Fresh Take on the Time Lord
David Tennant gives his seal of approval to Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor.
David Tennant: A Time Lord’s Return and the Mantle Passed to Ncuti Gatwa
Doctor Who
Originally premiered in 1963, Doctor Who is a sci-fi series that follows a powerful being known as a Time Lord, referred to as the Doctor. Using an interdimensional time-traveling ship known as the TARDIS, the Doctor travels time and space with various companions as they solve multiple problems and help avert catastrophe as much as they almost cause it. Though the Doctor is always the same character, they experience regenerations, allowing them to be recast every few seasons as a unique immortal being with new personality traits.
David Tennant, revered for his portrayal of the Tenth Doctor, is also gearing up to grace the screen once again, embodying the Fourteenth Doctor in a set of upcoming specials. Tennant’s seasoned perspective sheds light on the extraordinary demands of the role.Praising Gatwa as a “force of nature,“Tennant acknowledges the massive shoes the newcomer is filling, not just in terms of talent but in navigating the unique pressures that come with such a beloved character. The role of the Doctor isn’t just a part to play; it’s an entity that transcends the screen, cherished by multiple generations across the globe.
Tennant himself reflects on the profound impact of the series on its lead actors, touching on the challenges he faced when stepping into the spotlight. He draws from his own experience, recalling the wisdom imparted by his former co-star, Billie Piper, who adeptly managed life under the intense gaze of public attention. It’s this shared experience that forms an unspoken bond between those who have piloted the TARDIS through time and space – a unique fraternity where the baton is passed with care and empathy.
While Davies might have stepped away from the prospect of charting the course for an undisclosed Marvel venture, his imprint onDoctor Whois undeniable and eagerly awaited. His return to the series promises to inject new vigor into the beloved narrative, ensuring that the legacy of the Doctor is in capable hands. With Gatwa at the helm, advised by the seasoned wisdom of Tennant and supported by the narrative mastery of Davies, the show is poised to continue its storied tradition of captivating audiences with tales of cosmic adventure. And as for that enigmatic Marvel project, fans might always wonder what might have been had Davies brought his signature touch to the superhero domain.
