Following on the success of “Doctor Who,” the classic British sci-fi adventure series recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and was rebooted with a brand new series earlier this year, with Ncuti Gatwa taking over as the 15th Doctor on the BBC in the UK and on Disney+ around the world.

During a “Doctor Who” panel at the San Diego Comic-Con, it was officially announced that the BBC and Disney+ have ordered a brand new five-part spin-off series called “The War Between The Land And The Sea”, which will star Russell Tovey (“Feud,” “American Horror Story: NYC”) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (“Surface,” “Loki”).

This new series will also see the return of “Doctor Who” cast members Jemma Redgrave (as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart) and Alexander Devrient (as Colonel Ibrahim).

The new series will tell the story of what happens when a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT steps into action as the land and sea wage war.

Created by “Doctor Who” showrunner and executive producer Russell T Davies, who wrote the spinoff with Pete McTighe (“A Discovery of Witches,” “The Pact,” “Doctor Who”), the series features the triumphant return of the Sea Devils, classic “Doctor Who” villains first seen in 1972.

In a statement regarding the news, Russell T Davies, said:

“I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast. And this is a huge, muscular, thrilling drama which will shake The Whoniverse to its foundations. When the Doctor’s not in town, the whole of humanity is in trouble.“

Filming on the new series will begin next month. It will be directed by Dylan Holmes-Williams, who directed two episodes of Doctor Who season one: “73 Yards” and “Dot and Bubble.” The series will air exclusively on Disney+ where available and BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the U.K.

This isn’t the first “Doctor Who” spin-off show, as there have been many over the years, including the popular “Torchwood” show, plus “The Sarah Jane Adventures”, so another spin-off shouldn’t be seen as a major surprise and fits in with the “WhoVerse” that has recently launched on the BBC iPlayer.

“The War Between The Land And The Sea” is produced by Bad Wolf, with BBC Studios for Disney Branded Television and BBC. In addition to Davies, executive producers include Phil Collinson, Joel Collins, Julie Gardner and Jane Tranter.

Roger’s Take:  With so much speculation about the future of the BBC and Disney’s agreement following some lacklustre viewership numbers, it’s interesting to see this spin-off series has been ordered, and it’s great to see Disney is still committed to this longstanding franchise.   As someone who has been a fan of “Doctor Who” for decades and a huge fan of the “Torchwood” spin-off series, I have high hopes for this show, especially with the cast involved based on their previous roles.

The first season of “Doctor Who”, along with the Christmas and 60th-anniversary specials, are also available to stream now on the BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ around the world.

Are you looking forward to watching this new “Doctor Who” spin-off series?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

View all posts