In one of the strangest twists the series has ever pulled, the Doctor Who Season 2 finale ends with Ncuti Gatwa regenerating into Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler.
Fans were left stunned, confused, and scrambling for answers, but at least it created hype, which the series hasn’t had in years.
Rumors Point to Desperation Behind the Scene
However, behind the scenes, it might be a different story, as rumors suggest the move wasn’t about storytelling at all (big surprise).
Word is, showrunner Russell T Davies pulled the stunt in a last-ditch effort to get Disney to greenlight a third season on Disney+, and that Billie Piper only agreed as a favor.
Is Billie Piper Really the Next Doctor?
If that is indeed the case, that could mean Billie Piper won’t be sticking around as the 16th Doctor.
Actually, the season finale credits didn’t even state she is the Doctor, as past regeneration scenes have introduced the various actors as the new Timelord.
It’s further claimed that Piper filmed the scene a few weeks ago or so, with only a few members of the crew present.
The Regeneration That Makes No Sense
If you are a Doctor Who fan, the Doctor regenerating into Rose makes absolutely no sense.
Also, the Doctor regenerating into the likeness of Rose makes no sense, as following a regeneration, the Doctor wouldn’t know what his new face looks like. It seemed pretty clear he/she knew he/she was Rose Tyler.
A Gimmick to Save the Show—or the Budget?
So was this a real regeneration or just a flashy gimmick to stir up fake hype and keep the Disney money flowing?
Did Russell T Davies call in a favor from the friend who helped launch her career, hoping a one-off cameo would stir up buzz and push Disney to renew Doctor Who for a third season?
Disney+ Reportedly Out After Ratings Flop
Reports have offered that due to such poor viewership – known to be the worst in the show’s 60+ year history – that Disney isn’t going to renew for a Season 3 on Disney+.
It’s known Disney spent a hundred million on Doctor Who that no one watched. Similarly, Disney has even cut back on its own brands that nobody is watching, as both Marvel and Star Wars have seen pullbacks, now Disney is going to drop more money on Doctor Who that has worse viewership than both?
Could Russell T Davies Be Replaced?
Rumors also offer Disney is so unhappy with Doctor Who that the condition for a Season 3 renewal is to remove Russell T Davies as the showrunner.
So if Season 3 happens on Disney+, it could be with a new showrunner, but will it be Billie Piper and Rose Tyler as the new Timelord?
What’s Next for Doctor Who?
Separate rumors also offer the BBC is looking for a new backer to continue the series, possibly Sony/Amazon.
If/when Doctor Who does get renewed, it’s looking like new episodes won’t be dropping until at least 2027. Geronimo!
