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This article contains spoilers for the Doctor Who Centenary Special, The Power of the Doctor.David Tennant's time as the Tenth Doctor ended in 2010, but 12 years later, Tennant has returned to Doctor Who. Regeneration is the key to Doctor Who's success because it gives the world's longest-running science-fiction TV series the ability to reinvent itself. Jodie Whittaker's regeneration was the most intriguing to date, however, because viewers didn't quite know what to expect. On one hand, Ncuti Gatwa had been cast as the Doctor; on the other, David Tennant had been confirmed to return for 2023's 60th anniversary celebrations.
Jodie Whittaker did indeed regenerate into David Tennant - a moment that even left the new Doctor himself reeling. Many Time Lords possess the ability to control their regenerations, effectively choosing their future face and form, but the Doctor's have always been triggered by trauma - meaning regeneration has long been something of a lottery for the Doctor. Unfortunately, trauma-induced regenerations can go badly wrong. Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor is the textbook example, with the new Doctor literally trying to throttle his companion as his emotions fired out-of-control. The BBC has now released a brief trailer teasing the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, and the footage does suggest David Tennant's new Doctor will struggle to retain his sense of identity.
Why David Tennant Is Returning To Doctor Who
Doctor Who's 60th anniversary celebrations feature several returning characters, with perhaps the most exciting being David Tennant himself. Tennant's return to Doctor Who seems entirely appropriate given he's arguably the most recognizable and beloved Doctor of the modern era, and doubly so given that his return coincides with Russell T. Davies coming back as showrunner. From an in-universe perspective, it's clear something has gone badly wrong with the Doctor's regeneration, and this is signified by the fact Whittaker's clothing changes when she does, which isn't normal during a Doctor Who regeneration. Perhaps an outside force has somehow meddled with the process, making for an exciting and unpredictable story.
Why David Tennant's Return Is As The 14th Doctor, Not The 10th
The BBC has confirmed David Tennant is the Fourteenth Doctor, which makes sense given he has now succeeded Whittaker. This does mean viewers should be wary of assuming Tennant is playing the same Tenth Doctor character. The Doctor's face may be familiar, but this is a whole new incarnation, and he could be very different. Indeed, these potential differences are signified by Tennant's outfit, which evokes memories of Tenth Doctor costumes while being rather darker. Just as importantly, though, Russell T. Davies has now named Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor - confirming Tennant 2.0 is considered a legitimate, separate Doctor in his own right.
Who Else Is Coming Back Along With David Tennant
David Tennant is not alone in returning to Doctor Who for the 60th anniversary celebrations; Tennant will be joined by Catherine Tate as returning companion Donna Noble. It's uncertain why this is occurring in story terms, since Donna shouldn't remember her adventures in the TARDIS, but it is possible the confused Fourteenth Doctor will seek out another familiar face for help. The late Bernard Cribbins will also appear as Donna's grandfather, Wilfred Mott, having shot scenes prior to his sad passing in July 2022. Jacqueline King was also seen on set, presumably reprising her role as Donna's mother Sylvia Noble. It will be exciting to see how the Noble family deal with the Doctor's reappearance, given Donna's memories were wiped to save her life.
Why David Tennant's Doctor Who Return Isn't Until November 2023
Sadly, Doctor Who will not return until its 60th anniversary in November 2023. The 13-month gap is disappointing, but understandable; showrunner Russell T. Davies wants to hit the ground running, rather than stagger episodes throughout the year. The BBC has released a trailer teasing Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials, but it will likely be quite some time before marketing momentum really begins to gather. In the meantime, viewers will probably want to keep an eye on Doctor Who Magazine, which has always enjoyed a good relationship with Davies.
How Many Episodes Is David Tennant Returning To Doctor Who For?
Tennant and Tate are expected to appear in a series of three specials. Russell T. Davies observed in an official statement:
"If you thought the appearance of David Tennant was a shock, we’ve got plenty more surprises on the way. The path to Ncuti’s Fifteenth Doctor is laden with mystery, horror, robots, puppets, danger and fun! And how is it connected to the return of the wonderful Donna Noble (Catherine Tate)? How, what, why? We’re giving you a year to speculate, and then all hell lets loose!"
There's an interesting parallel between the enigmatic approach being employed for David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor and the end of Tennant's era as the Tenth Doctor, which was also told in a series of specials.
What's The Story For David Tennant's Doctor Who Return?
The plot of the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials is a mystery, but they appear to involve Neil Patrick Harris as the Celestial Toymaker - a classic foe last seen back in 1966 during the William Hartnell era. An almost godlike being, the Toymaker enjoys forcing people to participate in insane games for his own amusement. The Toymaker's origin was never explained (although, naturally, tie-ins have offered options), and he's never before intruded into Doctor Who's main universe. The Doctor only clashed with him in the past when the TARDIS strayed into the Toymaker's own realm. The Celestial Toymaker is one of few Doctor Who beings who possess the kind of power necessary to interfere with a regeneration, so it's possible he's actually responsible for David Tennant's return to Doctor Who.
Who Will Be The Next Doctor After David Tennant
David Tennant is only back in Doctor Who briefly, to be replaced by Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor. The Sex Education star was briefly seen in the official trailer for the Doctor Who 60th anniversary celebrations, seeming just as confused as Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor. Intriguingly, he was shown wearing what seem to be the remains of Tennant's costume - minus the jacket, and with the tie undone - suggesting there will be another regeneration from Fourteen to Fifteen during the upcoming specials. The BBC has confirmed Ncuti Gatwa's first episode will air during what they call the "festive period," leading to speculation Russell T. Davies will bring back Doctor Who's beloved Christmas specials, but this term could instead refer to the launch of Doctor Who season 14. Only time will tell - it always does.