Production onDoctor Whoseason 13 is now officially underway. With Jodie Whittaker once again reprising her role as the Doctor, fans can look forward to seeing her go on adventures once again as she fights the good fight across space and time. BBC America made the announcement today, while also teasing theRevolution of the Daleksspecial that will air this holiday season. The annual special will be the soonest that long-time fans are able to see Whittaker back as the thirteenth doctor.
Withsafety protocolsin place, theDoctor Whoteam is now filming under strict industry and UK government guidelines to ensure the safety of all cast and crew. With the added time and protocols required, the team will be completing a total of eight episodes rather than the usual 11.Jurassic World: Dominionjust wrapped production with 40,000 COVID tests over the span of 18 months, so it will be interesting to see how many tests theDoctor Whocrew can get to in eight episodes.
Talking about the new season,Showrunner Chris Chibnallsaid, “In this strangest of years, theDoctor Whoproduction team have worked wonders to get the show back into production.” A lot of TV and movie productions have had to get clever when thinking about returning to work, with new safety protocols that are now the new normal. Chibnall also discussed the change in episodes this season. He had this to say.
“We’re thrilled to be back making the show. Given the complexity of makingDoctor Who, and with new and rigorous COVID working protocols, it’s going to take us a little longer to film each episode, meaning we expect to end up with eight episodes, rather than the usual 11. But rest assured, the ambition, humor, fun and scares you expect fromDoctor Whowill all still be firmly in place. For everyone around the world, this is a challenging period - butthe Doctor never shirks from a challenge!”
Matt Strevens, Executive Producer BBC Studios, also spoke about the cast and crew ofDoctor Whoreturning to work. “We are so thrilled to have unlocked theTARDIS, dusted down the sonic and be able to start filming again for the next season ofDoctor Who, Strevens said. “The amazing production team, crew and cast have worked wonders to get us shooting again in these challenging times. It’s going to be as fun-filled and action-packed as ever - with plenty of surprises.” The team has a lot of story to pack into only eight episodes, which will prove to be another challenge.
Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor was last seen in the dramatic season 12 finale, when her fate was seemingly left hanging in the balance after she was locked away in an eternal prison. In the upcoming festive special, titledRevolution of the Daleks, the Doctor’s best friends Yaz (played by Mandip Gill), Ryan (played by Tosin Cole), and Graham (played by Bradley Walsh) have to pick up their lives without her. However, they soon discover a disturbing plan forming involving one of the Doctor’s biggest and most feared enemies - the Daleks. The annual holiday special is sure to answer a lot of questions. The season 13 news was first announced bythe official Doctor Who Twitter account.
