LMGTFY..
The future of Disney’s $100 million Doctor Who deal is in doubt after the latest series was met with an “underwhelming” reception, according to a report.
The deal was announced by the BBC with great fanfare in 2022. The corporation called it an “exciting global partnership”, while Disney bosses said they were thrilled to bring the “iconic franchise” to audiences in 150 markets around the world.
However, according to the industry website Deadline, ratings for the new series – and the new Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa - have failed to impress Disney bosses.
The site reported, “noises that [the deal] may not last beyond its initial two seasons are already reverberating around international TV circles, and one source close to the production tells us that they feel its future hangs in the balance already.”
Rating in the UK are down on average of almost 1.5 million people per episode since the fifteenth doctor took over CREDIT: Madame Tussauds London
Ratings in the UK are down by an average of almost 1.5 million per episode on the previous series, which starred Jodie Whittaker as the Doctor, according to Deadline’s measure.
In the US, Doctor Who reached seven on the list of most in-demand series on Disney+, behind The Simpsons and the Star Wars spin-offs. A senior US ratings source described the ratings as “underwhelming”, while a Disney insider told Deadline they were “okay but not stellar”.
One industry source said: “The ratings are a problem. [The BBC] can talk all they like about young viewers but they’re still down from the specials and down from the Jodie series.
“I imagine serious conversations are happening. Disney will want to see results.”
There is also speculation that Gatwa will also leave after the next series is broadcast CREDIT: Sophie Mutevelian
The source said it would be a “disaster” for the BBC if Disney pulled out. “Given that Disney has spent all of this money, the question becomes what the BBC will do if they pull out,” they said.
There is also speculation that Gatwa, who will lead a West End production of The Importance of Being Earnest at the end of this year and recently appeared in the Barbie movie and Masters of the Air, could leave after the next series is broadcast.
Deadline quoted a source predicting that the final episode has been left “open-ended, with the possibility remaining that Gatwa could regenerate into his successor”.
A BBC insider said: “Season 2 is currently in production and the spin offs are underway, so it is way too early for us to be commenting on any future deals and anything else is just pure speculation.”
Disney was approached for comment.
Also reported here which maybe more to your liking..
Doctor Who’s future with Disney ‘hangs in the balance’
Disney struck a deal for the popular sci-fi series back in 2022
www.independent.co.uk
