Russell T. Davies has reassured fans 'Doctor Who' is still "the same show".
Russell T Davies has reassured Doctor Who fans
The 59-year-old producer has moved to reassure viewers that nothing is changing with the sci-fi drama despite the fact it is now a co-production with Disney Plus, who will have the international distribution rights for the show while it remains exclusive to the BBC in the UK.
He wrote in the latest issue of Doctor Who magazine: "I know people are, naturally, worried about American producers having notes on things. Well, don't be. They're giving excellent notes.
"And I'm here to tell you, you haven't watched a drama on British television in 20 years that hasn't had American notes on it. Everything is a co-production... it's really, completely normal."
Russell teased season 14 of the show could even see obscure villain Mavic Chen - the President of the Solar System who was played by the late Kevin Stoney - make a reappearance.
He added: "And if you want any more reassurance, let me just tell you that we're about to transmit the words 'Mavic Chen' on television for the first time since 1966. It is absolutely the same show."
Russell recently dismissed reports the new partnership with Disney Plus had seen the show's budget escalate to a staggering £10 million per episode.
He said: "That has been exaggerated. If that was the budget, I’d be speaking to you from my base on the Moon.
"That is not the budget, and I worry that misinformation like that creates false expectation. Nonetheless, we have a lovely, handsome budget, and we’re very happy with how we’re proceeding with it."
Executive producer Jane Tranter added: "It’s a really good budget for us. But we are not 'Game of Thrones'. Or 'The Rings of Power'."
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