Doctor Who has changes on the horizon. Peter Capaldi has now weighed in on whether he’ll stay or go.
Doctor Who fans know that we are winding down the reign of Steven Moffat as the showrunner, and that Chris Chibnall will be taking over the reins of the longest running sci-fi series in TV history. We rather like the selection of Chibnall, but the question remains, will Peter Capaldi be around to be Chibnall’s Doctor?
According to the Radio Times, Peter Capaldi stated, “I’ve been asked to stay on, but it’s such a long time before I have to make that decision. Steven’s been absolutely wonderful, so I love working with him. Chris is fantastic, and I think he’s a hugely talented guy. I don’t know where the show’s gonna go then. I don’t know. I have to make up my mind, and I haven’t yet.”
The key element in Capaldi staying with the show is exactly what he states regarding timing. Capaldi’s scheduled appearances will cover the 2016 Doctor Who Christmas Special and the yet to be announced dates of season 11 in spring of 2017. Chibnall, who is currently working on the final series of Broadchurch, takes over Doctor Who after that. This could mean either a fall 2017 or a spring 2018 debut for season 12.
The bottom line in all of this is that Peter Capaldi, fortunately or unfortunately, will have a lot of time on his hands. Season 11 is scheduled to begin filming in May 2016. The show is already on a hunt for the Doctor’s new companion. The Doctor Who Christmas Special usually films in the fall, generally speaking in September. This means that Capaldi has time to pursue other interests before Chibnall takes the helm. On the other hand, he might just want a vacation.
After Capaldi films season 11, he will have had a solid three seasons as the Doctor. Capaldi’s immediate predecessor, Matt Smith, also appeared for a full three seasons before leaving the show right after its 50th anniversary. The tenth Doctor, David Tennant, had a slightly longer stint as the our beloved Time Lord. After a full three seasons, not to mention a three companion run, Tennant bowed out after a series of one-off specials.
At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to Capaldi hopefully not overstaying his welcome. Doctor Who is the kind of show that demands a ton of energy. It’s not just the scripts, but it’s the meeting of fans around the world, and the publicity with its loss of privacy. You’re part of more than just a sci-fi show. You’re part of an iconic legacy in both the U.K. and abroad. As long as Capaldi is up to this challenge, he should stay on. If, on the other hand, he’s getting tired, and who could blame him, it’s time to pass the baton.