New Doctor Who Spinoff Gets A Disappointing Release Update From Russell T Davies

Doctor Who‘s new spinoff, The War Between the Land and the Sea, gets a disappointing release update from showrunner Russell T Davies, who explains when to expect the upcoming series. The story of The War Between the Land and the Sea will focus on legacy characters, part of the organization UNIT, trying to stop a global catastrophe as war is waged on an old enemy from the ocean. The series will showcase the return of the Sea Devils, first introduced in season 9 of the original series, and last seen during the 2022 special episodes. Filming began in August 2024.

However, speaking with Doctor Who Magazine (via Radio Times), Davies, who is also Doctor Who‘s showrunner, confirmed there will be a long wait until The War Between the Land and the Sea gets released. The creator did build some hype for the series, though, claiming it to be one of the best series he’s ever worked on. Although it’s still some time away, he’s confident in how well-received it will be. Check out what Davies had to say below:

It’s my job to hype, but the hype for that show is still way, way off – it’s far from transmission. Here, right now, in the cool, dry downloads of a distant gaze, I can tell you… that’s one of the greatest shoots of my life and one of the greatest shows of my entire career. You can doubt me and cry hype… and get left behind. Oh my God, it’s good!

What Davies’ Update Means For Doctor Who’s Upcoming Spinoff

The War Between The Land & The Sea Won’t Be Starting Anytime Soon

The spinoff went into pre-production in December 2023, meaning plenty of planning went into the show before it started filming in the summer. In addition to the Sea Devils reappearing, the five-episode show will also feature major characters from the franchise’s past, with those confirmed being Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), Colonel Ibriahim (Alexander Devrient), and Shirley Anne Bingham (Ruth Madeley). Doctor Who cast alums like Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Colin McFarlane will also appear, albeit in new roles.

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Davies’ statement emphasizes how much detail is going into the new show, with a clear focus on how much time it will take until the series finally gets released. While it’s unclear how long the wait will be, a mixture of dedication to perfection and Doctor Who season 15 airing in 2025 are likely key factors in having the show get pushed back to a later point in time. His statement does build hype, however, since his affirmation that it’s the best show he’s ever worked on gives it a high bar of expectation from those awaiting more news.

Our Take On The War Between The Land & The Sea’s Lengthy Wait Time

Doctor Who Will Have Plenty Of Adventures In The Meantime

A composite image of Jodie Whittaker's 13th Doctor looking serious in front of a Sea Devil looking on in Doctor Who
Custom Image by SR Image Editor

Despite the long wait Davies has now confirmed for The War Between the Land and the Sea, there are still plenty of adventures within the franchise left to look forward to in the meantime. Doctor Who season 15 is expected to consist of eight episodes, providing even more adventures across space and time with Nctui Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor. With plenty of adventures left to unfold, the wait for the show’s spinoff may not feel as long as the showrunner says it will be.

The War Between the Land and the Sea will be the first Doctor Who spinoff to air on TV since 2016’s Class.

Source: Doctor Who Magazine (via Radio Times)