Details surrounding a Doctor Who spin-off have been revealed, and it will reportedly center on UNIT. UNIT is a military research organization in the Doctor Who universe and is led by Kate Stewart, played by Jemma Redgrave, who will reprise her role in this upcoming series. UNIT always played a vital role in the Doctor Who universe with their collaboration with the Doctor and was last seen in Jodie Whittaker's final episode, "The Power of The Doctor." UNIT has appeared throughout Doctor Who's history, and this spin-off series will provide a closer look at the organization.
Doctor Who spin-offs to expand the Whoniverse have been planned by returning showrunner Russell T. Davies. As reported by Deadline, the UNIT spin-off will focus on Kate Stewart and her running the organization, following in her father's footsteps. Jemma Redgrave will also return in a Christmas episode that will release later this year. The episode will introduce Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and see David Tennant and Catherine Tate return.
What Does The Future Of Doctor Who Look Like?
A Doctor Who distribution deal between Disney+ and Davies resulted in a new home for the series outside the UK and Ireland as well as an increase in budget for series 15. While Doctor Who has remained a television classic for the last 60 years, the collaboration with Disney+ is expected to transform the series into new strides, and this is what Davies wants, having "always believed in spin-offs." It appears Doctor Who will receive similar treatment to that of the Star Wars franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Davies and Tennant's return seem like a hopeful move to regain viewership to where it once was. Jodie Whittaker's time as the Doctor, unfortunately, saw a decreased viewership every week and lower ratings for episodes. Chris Chibnall, showrunner for series 11-13, was often scrutinized for the controversial direction he took on Doctor Who, so Davies' homecoming suggests a hopeful future for the much-loved series.
A project focused on UNIT will not be the first expansion of the Doctor Who universe. Davies previously produced spinoffs, such as Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures, which exemplifies his interest in expanding the Doctor Who universe. Other Doctor Who spinoffs Davies hopes to create still remain unknown, but for now, the news of a UNIT-focused series is an exciting announcement for Whoniverse. Davies' excitement and willingness to take the series in a new direction can only suggest an exciting future for Doctor Who.
Source: Deadline