If true, it's not surprising (wrong actor, wrong exclusivity decision, etc.) ...
Hanging in the balance?
Rumour has it that Disney+ won't recommission Doctor Who for series 16
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The Hollywood news website, Deadline, has been addressing the question
of Doctor Who's future with Disney. And it's not entirely optimistic.
In May, eyebrows were raised when Doctor Who failed to be a major
feature at the important North Javits Centre presentation of Disney's
new productions. Deadline wrote:
"Noises that it 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."
"Well connected sources" have told Deadline that the injection of cash
from Disney has pushed the show's budget up to £10 million per episode.
Some valued the deal at around £100 million. These estimates have been
debunked by showrunner, Russell T Davies, however.
Deadline also drew attention to the complex picture provided by the
ratings, which is supposedly giving Disney pause for thought:
"When consolidated seven-day viewing figures were taken into
account, the entire series averaged an audience down almost
1.5 million per episode compared to Whittaker's last in 2021,
according to Barb data supplied by overnights.tv".
The BBC has insisted that overnights and even 7-day ratings fail to
provide a comprehensive picture, pointing out that Doctor Who is the
top-rated drama for the under-35 age group this year.
One "industry source" who spoke to Deadline said that they were not
convinced by the BBC spin. "The ratings are a problem," said the
source. "They're still down from the specials and down from the
Jodie series. Disney will want to see results." Another respected
"source" considers the ratings on Disney+ as "underwhelming", while
"a Disney insider" described them as "okay but not stellar".
A further source apparently told Deadline that Disney will have to
make a decision on a third season soon after The War Between the
Land and the Sea wraps. Although the second season has been filmed,
this source suggested that the final scene has been left open for the
Doctor to regenerate should Ncuti Gatwa, who is much in demand,
decide to move on. (And, presumably, if the BBC and/or Disney, commit
to a third season.)
So, how authoritative is Deadline's report? It chimes with other
chatter in the wider media, but with how much of a pinch of salt
should we take it?
However big a pinch of salt you consider appropriate, remember to keep
some in reserve as a sure defence against the Fendahleen...
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https://thedoctorwhocompanion.com/2024/07/20/hanging-in-the-balance-rumour-has-it-that-disney-wont-recommission-doctor-who-for-series-16/>
[RUMOUR] Disney may pull plug on Doctor Who