A short film fund aimed at championing female and non-binary filmmakers led by “Doctor Who” star Jodie Whittaker has unveiled its first project winner at the Cannes Film Festival.
At Cannes 2023, women’s and non-binary visibility platform Primetime and Bournemouth Film School’s Funding Futures unveiled an initiative to spotlight women and non-binary filmmakers. After some 100 global submissions, a longlist emerged, chosen by a jury of industry heavyweights, including BAFTA nominees Ella Glendining and Ameenah Ayub Allen, Curtis Brown agent Cynthia Okoye, Funding Futures executive producer William Shutt, actor and Primetime founder Victoria Emslie, and “Doctor Who” actors Mandip Gill and Whittaker.
The winning project is “Truckload,” a comedy-drama inspired by real events. Writer-musician Evie Jones, who endured a life-altering accident, channels her experience into the story of Lizzie, a woman navigating life post-accident. Jones said: “Since becoming disabled it became quickly and startlingly clear that I no longer saw my experiences depicted on screen,...
At Cannes 2023, women’s and non-binary visibility platform Primetime and Bournemouth Film School’s Funding Futures unveiled an initiative to spotlight women and non-binary filmmakers. After some 100 global submissions, a longlist emerged, chosen by a jury of industry heavyweights, including BAFTA nominees Ella Glendining and Ameenah Ayub Allen, Curtis Brown agent Cynthia Okoye, Funding Futures executive producer William Shutt, actor and Primetime founder Victoria Emslie, and “Doctor Who” actors Mandip Gill and Whittaker.
The winning project is “Truckload,” a comedy-drama inspired by real events. Writer-musician Evie Jones, who endured a life-altering accident, channels her experience into the story of Lizzie, a woman navigating life post-accident. Jones said: “Since becoming disabled it became quickly and startlingly clear that I no longer saw my experiences depicted on screen,...
- 5/17/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Jodie Whittaker Short Film Fund Raises Value To $50,000
Exclusive: The Empower Fund, an initiative that champions female and non-binary filmmakers, has seen its value rise to £40,000 after post-production house Picture Shop came onboard to support the Empower Fund with in-kind post services up to a value of £15k. Film equipment company Hawk London had already provided access to a camera kit shooting package worth £15,000 on top of a minimum £10,000 for the winning team, who will see former Doctor Who lead Jodie Whittaker attached to their project. Founded by actress Victoria Emslie’s Primetime, a global platform for women and non-binary people working behind the camera, in partnership with Funding Futures, the fun launched at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and has received almost 100 submissions from around the world. A jury of consisting of Whittaker, another former Doctor Who star, Mandip Gill; Emslie; director Ella Glendining; producer Ameenah Ayub Allen; Curtis Brown...
Exclusive: The Empower Fund, an initiative that champions female and non-binary filmmakers, has seen its value rise to £40,000 after post-production house Picture Shop came onboard to support the Empower Fund with in-kind post services up to a value of £15k. Film equipment company Hawk London had already provided access to a camera kit shooting package worth £15,000 on top of a minimum £10,000 for the winning team, who will see former Doctor Who lead Jodie Whittaker attached to their project. Founded by actress Victoria Emslie’s Primetime, a global platform for women and non-binary people working behind the camera, in partnership with Funding Futures, the fun launched at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and has received almost 100 submissions from around the world. A jury of consisting of Whittaker, another former Doctor Who star, Mandip Gill; Emslie; director Ella Glendining; producer Ameenah Ayub Allen; Curtis Brown...
- 5/15/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Ncuti Gatwa made history when he appeared as the fifteenth Doctor in BBC’s Doctor Who. The Barbie star became the first Black and queer actor to portray the role, making his debut in the third 60th-anniversary special episode ‘The Giggle’. He took over from David Tennant, who returned to the role for the anniversary specials.
The fourteenth series of the show will begin airing in May of this year. The show also received a streaming partner in Disney Plus, which reportedly gave the show a bigger budget. While no particular numbers have been revealed, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies mentioned that they could make the best episode even without the money.
Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Who Gets A Bigger Budget David Tennant and Ncuti Gatwa in the Doctor Who episode The Giggle
Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa began his tenure as the fifteenth Doctor in BBC’s Doctor Who...
The fourteenth series of the show will begin airing in May of this year. The show also received a streaming partner in Disney Plus, which reportedly gave the show a bigger budget. While no particular numbers have been revealed, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies mentioned that they could make the best episode even without the money.
Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Who Gets A Bigger Budget David Tennant and Ncuti Gatwa in the Doctor Who episode The Giggle
Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa began his tenure as the fifteenth Doctor in BBC’s Doctor Who...
- 4/28/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
Masters of the Air is the third World War II miniseries from Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, following Band of Brothers and The Pacific. Goetzman said Spielberg’s father had been pushing them to do the series about WWII pilots since their first.
“We had an obligation to Steven’s father,” Goetzman said at Contenders TV. “He was in the Army Air Force. He’d seen Band and The Pacific and say to Steven, ‘Those are great. When are you going to do the pilots? When are you going to do Europe? If we ever did another one that would be it.’ Then Don Miller’s book came along.”
Beyond Miller’s book, technological improvements made Masters of the Air feasible decades after Band of Brothers. Goetzman credited VFX supervisor Stephen Rosenbaum and the company Dneg. Director of Photography Jac Fitzgerald said they filmed flying scenes in The Volume,...
“We had an obligation to Steven’s father,” Goetzman said at Contenders TV. “He was in the Army Air Force. He’d seen Band and The Pacific and say to Steven, ‘Those are great. When are you going to do the pilots? When are you going to do Europe? If we ever did another one that would be it.’ Then Don Miller’s book came along.”
Beyond Miller’s book, technological improvements made Masters of the Air feasible decades after Band of Brothers. Goetzman credited VFX supervisor Stephen Rosenbaum and the company Dneg. Director of Photography Jac Fitzgerald said they filmed flying scenes in The Volume,...
- 4/13/2024
- by Fred Topel
- Deadline Film + TV
US BritBox recently debuted the second season of Jimmy McGovern‘s anthology prison drama Time, set in a women’s facility. The new story features three women facing punishment for various offenses with a focus on how the British prison system is set up to fail the women it is supposed to reform.
Viewers throughout three episodes follow the stories of Orla (Jodie Whittaker), a single mom who is suddenly thrown into prison for a minor offense, Abby (Tamara Lawrence) who is serving a life sentence for murder, and Kelsey (Bella Ramsey) who is charged with drug trafficking while facing addiction and pregnancy.
Den of Geek spoke to Jodie Whittaker about how Orla’s struggles differ wildly from the trials of a Time Lord and about the Doctor Who moment of which she feels proudest.
Whittaker looks back fondly on her era of Doctor Who, as her career moves away...
Viewers throughout three episodes follow the stories of Orla (Jodie Whittaker), a single mom who is suddenly thrown into prison for a minor offense, Abby (Tamara Lawrence) who is serving a life sentence for murder, and Kelsey (Bella Ramsey) who is charged with drug trafficking while facing addiction and pregnancy.
Den of Geek spoke to Jodie Whittaker about how Orla’s struggles differ wildly from the trials of a Time Lord and about the Doctor Who moment of which she feels proudest.
Whittaker looks back fondly on her era of Doctor Who, as her career moves away...
- 4/8/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Spoiler Alert: This article discusses plot points from the series finale of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
After nearly 25 years of Larry David’s disagreements, feuds and outbursts, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” aired its final episode on Sunday.
The appropriately-named “No Lessons Learned” — the 10th episode of Season 12 — wrapped up a season-long arc that started when Larry was arrested in Atlanta for giving water to Auntie Rae (Ellia English) while she was in line to vote, violating local law. Through the season, he became something of a pop culture hero for doing the right thing, even though had no idea he was breaking any law, let alone making any sort of statement.
Of course, Larry’s entourage heads to Atlanta for the trial, including Cheryl (Cheryl Hines) and Ted Danson (playing himself), Jeff (Jeff Garlin) and Susie (Susie Essman), and Leon (J. B. Smoove) and Richard Lewis (playing himself). Richard headed to Atlanta...
After nearly 25 years of Larry David’s disagreements, feuds and outbursts, “Curb Your Enthusiasm” aired its final episode on Sunday.
The appropriately-named “No Lessons Learned” — the 10th episode of Season 12 — wrapped up a season-long arc that started when Larry was arrested in Atlanta for giving water to Auntie Rae (Ellia English) while she was in line to vote, violating local law. Through the season, he became something of a pop culture hero for doing the right thing, even though had no idea he was breaking any law, let alone making any sort of statement.
Of course, Larry’s entourage heads to Atlanta for the trial, including Cheryl (Cheryl Hines) and Ted Danson (playing himself), Jeff (Jeff Garlin) and Susie (Susie Essman), and Leon (J. B. Smoove) and Richard Lewis (playing himself). Richard headed to Atlanta...
- 4/8/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
If you are in a fight and see a guy enter with a Blackbeard tattoo on his back, forego it. You do not want to be decimated by Ben Whittaker, the silver medalist boxer from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The boxer recently came into the spotlight because of his cocky fighting style and power moves, combining which can humble his opponents. A viral tweet from the boxer stated “You don’t win silver, you lose gold. I’m very disappointed – I feel like a failure.” You can easily pick up his determination from his words.
Along with his winning streak, he became popular because of his anime tattoos. Recent interviews exposed his inner geek, which has gained him some additional otaku fans.
Does Ben Whittaker like anime?
Yes, Ben Whittaker is a huge anime fan, and he owns up to it in an interview with Team Azim TV. He confesses that...
The boxer recently came into the spotlight because of his cocky fighting style and power moves, combining which can humble his opponents. A viral tweet from the boxer stated “You don’t win silver, you lose gold. I’m very disappointed – I feel like a failure.” You can easily pick up his determination from his words.
Along with his winning streak, he became popular because of his anime tattoos. Recent interviews exposed his inner geek, which has gained him some additional otaku fans.
Does Ben Whittaker like anime?
Yes, Ben Whittaker is a huge anime fan, and he owns up to it in an interview with Team Azim TV. He confesses that...
- 3/30/2024
- by Aaheli Pradhan
- FandomWire
Jodie Whittaker has gone from playing a Time Lord to doing Time. The former Doctor Who star joins The Last of Us’ Bella Ramsey and The Long Song’s Tamara Lawrance for Season 2 of the British prison drama, now set in a women’s correctional facility in Northern England. Whittaker’s character, Orla, is a single, working-class mother of three, struggling financially, whose world crumbles when she’s sentenced to six months behind bars. Her crime: “fiddling the leccy,” slang for tinkering with the electricity meter to lower her bill. That nonviolent offense lands Orla in the middle of an unfathomable world—confinement with prisoners like Kelsey (Ramsey), a heroin addict, and Abi (Lawrance), a convicted killer—and plunges her even further into an abyss as she tries to hold her family together, with only her alcoholic mother to depend on. Still, it wasn’t hard for Whittaker to connect to Orla,...
- 3/26/2024
- TV Insider
Doctor Who is one of the longest-running science fiction franchises in the world of entertainment. From 1963 to now, the franchise has only grown bigger and turned better with each successive actor playing the time-traveling extraterrestrial. Till now there have been 14 actors who have portrayed the eccentric character.
Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who was not liked by fans (still from Doctor Who)
While the likes of Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and Tom Baker have earned acclaim as some of the best Time Lords, others like Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor have not been so well received, leading to a lot of fans turning aversive to the series. But as Ncuti Gatwa debuts as the 15th Doctor Who, things might just have turned better for the long-running franchise.
Ncuti Gatwa Shines as the 15th Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa as Doctor Who in season 14 of Doctor Who
After a terrible reception of Jodie Whittaker‘s Doctor Who,...
Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who was not liked by fans (still from Doctor Who)
While the likes of Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and Tom Baker have earned acclaim as some of the best Time Lords, others like Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor have not been so well received, leading to a lot of fans turning aversive to the series. But as Ncuti Gatwa debuts as the 15th Doctor Who, things might just have turned better for the long-running franchise.
Ncuti Gatwa Shines as the 15th Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa as Doctor Who in season 14 of Doctor Who
After a terrible reception of Jodie Whittaker‘s Doctor Who,...
- 3/23/2024
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire
An A-list cast including Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Bill Nighy will lend their voices to That Christmas, an animated feature from Netflix penned by Richard Curtis and directed by Simon Otto (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy).
That Christmas is an adaptation of the children’s book series written by Curtis. The pic also marks the directorial debut of animation vet Otto.
Cox voices Santa in the pic. Shaw is Ms. Trapper, Whittaker is Mrs. Williams, and Nighy is Bill, residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The full synopsis reads: That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys. Also starring are Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown,...
That Christmas is an adaptation of the children’s book series written by Curtis. The pic also marks the directorial debut of animation vet Otto.
Cox voices Santa in the pic. Shaw is Ms. Trapper, Whittaker is Mrs. Williams, and Nighy is Bill, residents of a charming seaside town where things turn upside down one Christmas. The full synopsis reads: That Christmas follows a series of entwined tales about family and friends, love and loneliness, and Santa Claus making a big mistake, not to mention an enormous number of turkeys. Also starring are Lolly Adefope, Alex Macqueen, Katherine Parkinson, Sindhu Vee, India Brown,...
- 3/20/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
General Hospital star Beth Peters has sadly passed away at the age of 92. For those familiar with the iconic soap, she played the role of Mrs. Whitaker in the 1980s. Keep reading for more details on what caused her death and the legacy she left behind.
General Hospital Star Beth Peters Dead At 92
It has not been an easy time in Port Charles with the passing of Jackie Zeman, Sonya Eddy, Robyn Bernard, and Tyler Christopher. Yet, the show must go on and it has, bringing back Steve Burton in the role of Jason Morgan to excite fans. Unfortunately, another General Hospital cast member has taken their final bow. Beth Peters, who played the role of Mrs. Whitaker, passed away on Thursday, March 14th. She was 92 years young, per Variety. Her role on Gh was short-lived, just eight episodes, but it was impactful.
‘General Hospital’ logo/Credit: ABC YouTube
According to her obituary,...
General Hospital Star Beth Peters Dead At 92
It has not been an easy time in Port Charles with the passing of Jackie Zeman, Sonya Eddy, Robyn Bernard, and Tyler Christopher. Yet, the show must go on and it has, bringing back Steve Burton in the role of Jason Morgan to excite fans. Unfortunately, another General Hospital cast member has taken their final bow. Beth Peters, who played the role of Mrs. Whitaker, passed away on Thursday, March 14th. She was 92 years young, per Variety. Her role on Gh was short-lived, just eight episodes, but it was impactful.
‘General Hospital’ logo/Credit: ABC YouTube
According to her obituary,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Amanda Lauren
- TV Shows Ace
On March 15 Disney Branded Television and BBC announced when “Doctor Who” will return for its new season, starring Nctui Gatwa as the 15th incarnation of the Time Lord known only as the Doctor. On Friday, May 10, “Doctor Who” will rerun the special “The Church on Ruby Road” and premiere two all-new episodes internationally on Disney+. In the UK, the new season premieres the next day: Saturday, May 11.
Showrunner, executive producer and writer Russell T Davies said in a statement, “At last, it’s my great delight to unleash a whole new season of the Doctor and Ruby’s adventures together. Monsters! Chases! Villains! Mysteries! And a terrifying secret that’s been spanning time and space for decades. Don’t miss a second!”
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
It’s a season of change for “Doctor Who.” Following three seasons under showrunner Chris Chibnall and starring...
Showrunner, executive producer and writer Russell T Davies said in a statement, “At last, it’s my great delight to unleash a whole new season of the Doctor and Ruby’s adventures together. Monsters! Chases! Villains! Mysteries! And a terrifying secret that’s been spanning time and space for decades. Don’t miss a second!”
Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
It’s a season of change for “Doctor Who.” Following three seasons under showrunner Chris Chibnall and starring...
- 3/15/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Jodie Foster is one of the most talented and respected actresses in Hollywood. From working on many critically acclaimed projects to being nominated for an Oscar five times and winning two out of them, she has certainly seen the heights of success in her career. Naturally, she has worked very hard for these achievements.
Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs
Her most recent work, Nyad, is the perfect example of her dedication as an actress. Not only was she nominated for an Oscar for her work in the sports-thriller film, but she also pushed her physical capabilities as much as she could.
Suggested“I didn’t want that life”: Jodie Foster Vowed To Never Commit The Same Mistake That Destroyed Madonna
It would seem that the 61-year-old actress had a point to prove when making the movie and would stop at nothing to make it.
Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs
Her most recent work, Nyad, is the perfect example of her dedication as an actress. Not only was she nominated for an Oscar for her work in the sports-thriller film, but she also pushed her physical capabilities as much as she could.
Suggested“I didn’t want that life”: Jodie Foster Vowed To Never Commit The Same Mistake That Destroyed Madonna
It would seem that the 61-year-old actress had a point to prove when making the movie and would stop at nothing to make it.
- 3/11/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
Accusations being levied at YouTuber Soft White Underbelly (headed up by documentarian Mark Laita) have drummed up controversy surrounding the internet creator and some of his popular subjects, the Whittaker family.
Laita is best known for his on-the-ground investigative deep dives into various grassroots stories across America. He came to fame though through his videos on the West Virginian Whittaker family.
The Whittakers are an incredibly impoverished inbred family living in Odd, West Virginia whom Laita has documented in several videos. The family was the benefactor of a fundraising campaign set up by the Soft White Underbelly YouTube channel which has recently come under fire.
Read full article on The Direct.
Laita is best known for his on-the-ground investigative deep dives into various grassroots stories across America. He came to fame though through his videos on the West Virginian Whittaker family.
The Whittakers are an incredibly impoverished inbred family living in Odd, West Virginia whom Laita has documented in several videos. The family was the benefactor of a fundraising campaign set up by the Soft White Underbelly YouTube channel which has recently come under fire.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 3/10/2024
- by Klein Felt
- The Direct
Exclusive: The jury for the Jodie Whittaker-backed £25,000 Empower Film Fund for female and non-binary filmmakers has been set.
Whittaker’s former Doctor Who co-star Mandip Gill will be on the jury alongside BAFTA-nominee Ella Glendining (Is There Anybody Out There?), BAFTA-nominee Ameenah Ayub Allen (Rocks) and Curtis Brown Agent Cynthia Okoye. They join Primetime founder Victoria Emslie and Funding Futures exec Will Shutt on the jury, along with Whittaker.
Whittaker will feature in or voice the winning film with the intention of increasing the visibility of the project and filmmaker selected.
Launched at last year’s Cannes by Primetime and Funding Futures, the short film competition will back one female or non-binary filmmaker to make a short film with a minimum of a £10,000 grant in addition to a camera shooting package hire with a value of up to £15,000 from Hawk London, which recently opened a London HQ.
“Accessibility to...
Whittaker’s former Doctor Who co-star Mandip Gill will be on the jury alongside BAFTA-nominee Ella Glendining (Is There Anybody Out There?), BAFTA-nominee Ameenah Ayub Allen (Rocks) and Curtis Brown Agent Cynthia Okoye. They join Primetime founder Victoria Emslie and Funding Futures exec Will Shutt on the jury, along with Whittaker.
Whittaker will feature in or voice the winning film with the intention of increasing the visibility of the project and filmmaker selected.
Launched at last year’s Cannes by Primetime and Funding Futures, the short film competition will back one female or non-binary filmmaker to make a short film with a minimum of a £10,000 grant in addition to a camera shooting package hire with a value of up to £15,000 from Hawk London, which recently opened a London HQ.
“Accessibility to...
- 2/19/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The UFC featherweight title is on the line and two of the top-ranked middleweights will face off in UFC 298. Featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski is set to defend his belt for the sixth time since winning the belt more than 1,500 days ago. His opponent, Ilia Topuria, is 14-0 including 12 stoppage wins, so whether it’s the champ’s more-than-four-year title reign or the challenger’s winning streak, something will have to give in the main event. You can watch the action with a subscription to ESPN+ and by purchasing the PPV for $79.99.
How to Watch UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria When: Saturday, Feb. 17 | Early Prelims: 6:30 p.m. Et | Prelims: 8 p.m. Et | Main Card: 10 p.m. Et Where: ESPN+: Entire card | ESPN, ESPN Deportes: Prelims Only Streaming: Get the fight by subscribing to ESPN+ and purchasing the PPV for $79.99. Watch UFC 298 with ESPN+ PPV $79.99 for ESPN+ Subscribers espnplus.com About UFC 298: Volkanovski vs.
How to Watch UFC 298: Volkanovski vs. Topuria When: Saturday, Feb. 17 | Early Prelims: 6:30 p.m. Et | Prelims: 8 p.m. Et | Main Card: 10 p.m. Et Where: ESPN+: Entire card | ESPN, ESPN Deportes: Prelims Only Streaming: Get the fight by subscribing to ESPN+ and purchasing the PPV for $79.99. Watch UFC 298 with ESPN+ PPV $79.99 for ESPN+ Subscribers espnplus.com About UFC 298: Volkanovski vs.
- 2/17/2024
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Numerous performers have encountered adrenaline-inducing moments while acting, and Black Mirror luminary Jodie Whittaker stands as a testament to this reality. Her journey in the entertainment industry hasn’t been without its harrowing encounters, as she found herself confronting a near-death experience on set.
Jodie Whittaker
However, even amidst such gripping tales, it’s the narrative of her encounter with a venomous spider that truly sets hearts racing. Interestingly, this account is enough to send renowned comedian Kevin Hart into a frenzy.
It’s well-known that the star of Jumanji harbors a deep-seated terror of animals, and spiders in particular hold a special place at the apex of his phobias.
Kevin Hart’s Deep-Seated Animal Phobia Brings Reaction to Jodie Whittaker’s Terrifying Tale
Kevin Hart in Lift
Kevin Hart‘s well-documented fear of animals is a central aspect of his personality. The revelation of his terror only deepened when...
Jodie Whittaker
However, even amidst such gripping tales, it’s the narrative of her encounter with a venomous spider that truly sets hearts racing. Interestingly, this account is enough to send renowned comedian Kevin Hart into a frenzy.
It’s well-known that the star of Jumanji harbors a deep-seated terror of animals, and spiders in particular hold a special place at the apex of his phobias.
Kevin Hart’s Deep-Seated Animal Phobia Brings Reaction to Jodie Whittaker’s Terrifying Tale
Kevin Hart in Lift
Kevin Hart‘s well-documented fear of animals is a central aspect of his personality. The revelation of his terror only deepened when...
- 2/15/2024
- by Pritha
- FandomWire
Matt Smith’s star turn as Prince Phillip in the first two seasons of The Crown attracted plaudits but didn’t exactly secure him as a long-term viewer.
The House of the Dragon star said he “keeps an eye” on the twists and turns of Peter Morgan’s now-ended royal family saga but “doesn’t really watch” The Crown.
“I have not kept up to date with it but I’m proud to be part of it,” he told the BBC’s Today program, as he labeled Morgan a “brilliant writer.”
Smith played Queen Elizabeth II’s husband in the first two seasons from 2016 opposite Claire Foy, before he was replaced by Tobias Menzies for Seasons 3 and 4 and then Jonathan Pryce for the concluding runs.
In contrast to Smith, Dominic West, who played Prince Charles in Seasons 5 and 6, recently told the same BBC program that he was relieved The Crown...
The House of the Dragon star said he “keeps an eye” on the twists and turns of Peter Morgan’s now-ended royal family saga but “doesn’t really watch” The Crown.
“I have not kept up to date with it but I’m proud to be part of it,” he told the BBC’s Today program, as he labeled Morgan a “brilliant writer.”
Smith played Queen Elizabeth II’s husband in the first two seasons from 2016 opposite Claire Foy, before he was replaced by Tobias Menzies for Seasons 3 and 4 and then Jonathan Pryce for the concluding runs.
In contrast to Smith, Dominic West, who played Prince Charles in Seasons 5 and 6, recently told the same BBC program that he was relieved The Crown...
- 2/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The Doctor we viewers meet as hero of the latest “Doctor Who” Christmas special is unlike any other we’ve met in the 60-year history of the character.
He’s suave in a non-geeky way. He can command a dance floor. He can actually sing. And he’s a Black man.
After watching Ncuti Gatwa’s impressive debut as the first Black, male incarnation of the Time Lord hero at the center of the BBC’s venerated science fiction franchise, this Black male TV critic is fascinated and hopeful at the possibilities that lie ahead.
But I’ve also got a few other fervent hopes — deep wishes that have been rolling around my mind ever since I first stumbled on The Doctor as a fan in my childhood, watching Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, ambling about like a shock-haired, spacefaring, time traveling version of Gene Wilder, in reruns which...
He’s suave in a non-geeky way. He can command a dance floor. He can actually sing. And he’s a Black man.
After watching Ncuti Gatwa’s impressive debut as the first Black, male incarnation of the Time Lord hero at the center of the BBC’s venerated science fiction franchise, this Black male TV critic is fascinated and hopeful at the possibilities that lie ahead.
But I’ve also got a few other fervent hopes — deep wishes that have been rolling around my mind ever since I first stumbled on The Doctor as a fan in my childhood, watching Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, ambling about like a shock-haired, spacefaring, time traveling version of Gene Wilder, in reruns which...
- 12/25/2023
- by Eric Deggans
- Indiewire
This post contains spoilers for the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials.
After three (very delightful) zags into Doctor Who lore, the next Doctor is finally here.
When Jodie Whittaker‘s Thirteenth Doctor regenerated with David Tennant‘s face in last year’s “The Power of the Doctor,” fans wondered when Whittaker’s announced successor Ncuti Gatwa would take his place on the Tardis. Thanks to the magic of Bi-Generation (more on that in a second), Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor is ready to put on some trousers and go on his own adventures through space and time, beginning with the Doctor Who Christmas Special “The Church on Ruby Road.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the special:
When Does the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas Special Come Out?
For those in the UK, the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas Special, “The Church on Ruby Road,” plays on BBC One and on BBC iPlayer...
After three (very delightful) zags into Doctor Who lore, the next Doctor is finally here.
When Jodie Whittaker‘s Thirteenth Doctor regenerated with David Tennant‘s face in last year’s “The Power of the Doctor,” fans wondered when Whittaker’s announced successor Ncuti Gatwa would take his place on the Tardis. Thanks to the magic of Bi-Generation (more on that in a second), Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor is ready to put on some trousers and go on his own adventures through space and time, beginning with the Doctor Who Christmas Special “The Church on Ruby Road.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the special:
When Does the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas Special Come Out?
For those in the UK, the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas Special, “The Church on Ruby Road,” plays on BBC One and on BBC iPlayer...
- 12/22/2023
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Taking on the central role in :a[Doctor Who]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/doctor-who-the-star-beast/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} is one of the most prestigious but expectation-laden jobs in British TV. Not only is the show an absolute institution, now in its 60th year, but stepping into the shoes of the Time Lord who travels through infinite galaxies and endless eras brings with it all kinds of choices and questions: how do you follow in the footsteps of the Doctors who came before you, while bringing your own spin? How do you convey a being who’s experienced as much as the Doctor has? How do you keep that connective tissue with the long-running saga, while standing out in the pantheon of Tardis travellers? With :a[Ncuti Gatwa taking over the keys]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/features/ncuti-gatwa-doctor-who-ushering-in-whole-new-era/' target='_blank' rel...
- 12/18/2023
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - TV
Warning: Contains spoilers for Doctor Who – ‘The Giggle’
So, all’s well that ends well. After that slightly freaky bi-generation at the :a[climax of 'The Giggle']{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/doctor-who-the-giggle/' target='blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, _Doctor Who’s third 60th anniversary special, the conjoined Doctors separate: David Tennant’s 14th Doctor in his thermals and waistcoat, and :a[Ncuti Gatwa’s box-fresh 15th Doctor]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/sex-education-ncuti-gatwa-is-the-new-doctor/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} in shirt and underpants, not bothered in the slightest about his lack of trousers. Tennant’s iteration pops off for lunch and, presumably, onto standby for any future multi-Doctor stories while Gatwa takes over the Tardis controls.
There’s been a lot of excitement about this new incarnation of the Doctor, in a way it’s hard to recall happening since Zoe Ball presented a slightly odd live reveal...
So, all’s well that ends well. After that slightly freaky bi-generation at the :a[climax of 'The Giggle']{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/doctor-who-the-giggle/' target='blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, _Doctor Who’s third 60th anniversary special, the conjoined Doctors separate: David Tennant’s 14th Doctor in his thermals and waistcoat, and :a[Ncuti Gatwa’s box-fresh 15th Doctor]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/sex-education-ncuti-gatwa-is-the-new-doctor/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} in shirt and underpants, not bothered in the slightest about his lack of trousers. Tennant’s iteration pops off for lunch and, presumably, onto standby for any future multi-Doctor stories while Gatwa takes over the Tardis controls.
There’s been a lot of excitement about this new incarnation of the Doctor, in a way it’s hard to recall happening since Zoe Ball presented a slightly odd live reveal...
- 12/11/2023
- by Tom Nicholson
- Empire - TV
In all my years covering television, I have only ever once cursed out an interview subject, even in jest.
This was back in 2009, when I was speaking with Russell T. Davies about the end of his tenure as showrunner of Doctor Who, and the launch of spinoff miniseries Torchwood: Children of Earth. Specifically, I had a bone to pick regarding the departure of Donna Noble, the blunt, hilarious, endearing companion to David Tenant’s Tenth Doctor, played by Catherine Tate. Donna’s character arc was all about how traveling through...
This was back in 2009, when I was speaking with Russell T. Davies about the end of his tenure as showrunner of Doctor Who, and the launch of spinoff miniseries Torchwood: Children of Earth. Specifically, I had a bone to pick regarding the departure of Donna Noble, the blunt, hilarious, endearing companion to David Tenant’s Tenth Doctor, played by Catherine Tate. Donna’s character arc was all about how traveling through...
- 11/28/2023
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Rollingstone.com
Roger Whittaker, the gentle-voiced British easy-listening singer who had an unlikely pop hit in 1975 with the song “The Last Farewell,” died Sept. 13 in Toulouse, France, following a lengthy illness. He was 87.
His death was only recently announced on his official website. The statement attributed to his family and Sony Music, said Whittaker died “in peace in the presence of his family.”
“Roger was an iconic artist, a wonderful husband and father,” the statement continues. “He touched so many hearts with his music during his lifetime and will always live on in our memories.”
Born March 22, 1936, in Nairobi, Whittaker began singing during his college years and in 1969 released the song “Durham Town (The Leavin’)” that showcased his soothing baritone voice and nostalgic story-telling musical style. The song reached No. 23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
“Durham Town” wouldn’t be his last appearance on the charts. In 1971, he recorded and released “The Last Farewell,...
His death was only recently announced on his official website. The statement attributed to his family and Sony Music, said Whittaker died “in peace in the presence of his family.”
“Roger was an iconic artist, a wonderful husband and father,” the statement continues. “He touched so many hearts with his music during his lifetime and will always live on in our memories.”
Born March 22, 1936, in Nairobi, Whittaker began singing during his college years and in 1969 released the song “Durham Town (The Leavin’)” that showcased his soothing baritone voice and nostalgic story-telling musical style. The song reached No. 23 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
“Durham Town” wouldn’t be his last appearance on the charts. In 1971, he recorded and released “The Last Farewell,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance and Bella Ramsey don prison-issue tracksuits in the first image from their upcoming series “Time.”
“Doctor Who” star Whittaker, Lawrance (“The Silent Twins”) and Ramsey (“The Last of Us”) star as three inmates in a women’s prison in the U.K. in a follow-up to the Sean Bean series of the same name.
Jimmy McGovern returns to pen the second anthology-style season of the show with some actors from the series’ first outing – including Siobhan Finneran as prison chaplain Marie-Louise – reprising their roles. Helen Black co-writes while Andrea Harkin directs.
Also joining the cast are Sophie Willan (“Alma’s Not Normal”), Julie Graham (“Shetland”), Alicia Forde (“Waterloo Road”), Lisa Millett (“The A Word”), Kayla Meikle (“The Capture”), James Corrigan (“This Is Going to Hurt”), Nicholas Nunn (“Clique”) and Maimuna Memon (“Sherwood”).
Set in the fictional, high-security prison Carlingford, Kelsey (Ramsey), Orla (Whittaker) and Abi (Lawrance) arrive...
“Doctor Who” star Whittaker, Lawrance (“The Silent Twins”) and Ramsey (“The Last of Us”) star as three inmates in a women’s prison in the U.K. in a follow-up to the Sean Bean series of the same name.
Jimmy McGovern returns to pen the second anthology-style season of the show with some actors from the series’ first outing – including Siobhan Finneran as prison chaplain Marie-Louise – reprising their roles. Helen Black co-writes while Andrea Harkin directs.
Also joining the cast are Sophie Willan (“Alma’s Not Normal”), Julie Graham (“Shetland”), Alicia Forde (“Waterloo Road”), Lisa Millett (“The A Word”), Kayla Meikle (“The Capture”), James Corrigan (“This Is Going to Hurt”), Nicholas Nunn (“Clique”) and Maimuna Memon (“Sherwood”).
Set in the fictional, high-security prison Carlingford, Kelsey (Ramsey), Orla (Whittaker) and Abi (Lawrance) arrive...
- 6/13/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Competition
Actor Ncuti Gatwa, filmmaker Asif Kapadia (“Amy”) and journalist-turned-screenwriter Terri White, who’s memoir “Coming Undone” is being adapted for Netflix, will serve as judges on the BMW Filmmaking Challenge. The competition is the result of a partnership between BMW and the BFI that aims to support aspiring U.K. filmmakers and uncover fresh perspectives in the film industry.
The initiative was launched earlier this year by BAFTA winner Michaela Coel (“I May Destroy You”). The BFI has shortlisted five teams from some 400 applications, awarding each a £10,000 production budget, access to 8K camera equipment and mentoring from Coel. Inspired by the all-electric BMW i7 and its ultra-wide 31.3-inch rear-passenger theatre screen, the challenge is designed to stretch filmmakers artistically and bring their stories to life in 90 seconds under the theme Evolving Perspectives.
The films are now in production, judging will take place in September, with the winning short premiering...
Actor Ncuti Gatwa, filmmaker Asif Kapadia (“Amy”) and journalist-turned-screenwriter Terri White, who’s memoir “Coming Undone” is being adapted for Netflix, will serve as judges on the BMW Filmmaking Challenge. The competition is the result of a partnership between BMW and the BFI that aims to support aspiring U.K. filmmakers and uncover fresh perspectives in the film industry.
The initiative was launched earlier this year by BAFTA winner Michaela Coel (“I May Destroy You”). The BFI has shortlisted five teams from some 400 applications, awarding each a £10,000 production budget, access to 8K camera equipment and mentoring from Coel. Inspired by the all-electric BMW i7 and its ultra-wide 31.3-inch rear-passenger theatre screen, the challenge is designed to stretch filmmakers artistically and bring their stories to life in 90 seconds under the theme Evolving Perspectives.
The films are now in production, judging will take place in September, with the winning short premiering...
- 6/5/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Whittaker’s claim for unfair dismissal will proceed at a hearing in late June
Producer and entrepreneur Andy Whittaker has confirmed that he is engaged in ongoing legal action against Dogwoof Ltd, the London-based documentary film distribution and production company he founded in 2003.
Whittaker was dismissed as an employee of the company in June 2022 for undisclosed reasons. He began legal action, understood to relate to unfair dismissal and discrimination, in August 2022.
Whittaker remains a minority shareholder in Dogwoof, which has released 31 Oscar-nominated documentaries including Free Solo, Blackfish and The Act Of Killing.
The company’s current CEO is Barcelona-born Anna Godas...
Producer and entrepreneur Andy Whittaker has confirmed that he is engaged in ongoing legal action against Dogwoof Ltd, the London-based documentary film distribution and production company he founded in 2003.
Whittaker was dismissed as an employee of the company in June 2022 for undisclosed reasons. He began legal action, understood to relate to unfair dismissal and discrimination, in August 2022.
Whittaker remains a minority shareholder in Dogwoof, which has released 31 Oscar-nominated documentaries including Free Solo, Blackfish and The Act Of Killing.
The company’s current CEO is Barcelona-born Anna Godas...
- 6/1/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
“Doctor Who” star Jodie Whittaker will lead a short film fund aimed at championing female and non-binary filmmakers.
The Empower fund, a community-led initiative backed by Primetime, a global vetted platform to help the industry find and hire more women above and below the line behind the camera, and Bournemouth Film School, was launched at the Cannes film market. It aims to remove the barriers of access to finance and star power that restrict underrepresented filmmakers. The fund will focus on championing female and non-binary filmmakers and grant them access to a minimum of a £10,000 grant in addition to other perks.
Whittaker will feature in or voice the final film, with the intention of increasing the visibility of the project and the filmmaker selected. The actor will also collaborate to create a prompt for filmmakers as a starting point for a character or story she would like to explore. There...
The Empower fund, a community-led initiative backed by Primetime, a global vetted platform to help the industry find and hire more women above and below the line behind the camera, and Bournemouth Film School, was launched at the Cannes film market. It aims to remove the barriers of access to finance and star power that restrict underrepresented filmmakers. The fund will focus on championing female and non-binary filmmakers and grant them access to a minimum of a £10,000 grant in addition to other perks.
Whittaker will feature in or voice the final film, with the intention of increasing the visibility of the project and the filmmaker selected. The actor will also collaborate to create a prompt for filmmakers as a starting point for a character or story she would like to explore. There...
- 5/22/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Time Season 2 is moving forward at the BBC.
The broadcaster confirmed Tuesday that the second season will take viewers inside a women's prison to tell a different story than its predecessor.
Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us) and Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) will headline the three-part upcoming season, which will begin filming in Liverpool soon.
Tamara Lawrance (The Silent Twins) is also joining the cast, while Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley) will return as Marie-Louise, a prison chaplain.
Time comes from Jimmy McGovern and will feature Kelsey (Ramsey), who is thrown together with unfamiliar faces with Orla (Whittaker) and Abi (Lawrence).
"I'm very happy to be a part of this project, working with an incredible team and following on from a stellar first season," said Ramsey.
"And it's such an honour to be Kelsey, I'm really excited to experience the world through her for a few months."
"Time was such an...
The broadcaster confirmed Tuesday that the second season will take viewers inside a women's prison to tell a different story than its predecessor.
Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us) and Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) will headline the three-part upcoming season, which will begin filming in Liverpool soon.
Tamara Lawrance (The Silent Twins) is also joining the cast, while Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley) will return as Marie-Louise, a prison chaplain.
Time comes from Jimmy McGovern and will feature Kelsey (Ramsey), who is thrown together with unfamiliar faces with Orla (Whittaker) and Abi (Lawrence).
"I'm very happy to be a part of this project, working with an incredible team and following on from a stellar first season," said Ramsey.
"And it's such an honour to be Kelsey, I'm really excited to experience the world through her for a few months."
"Time was such an...
- 4/11/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey and Doctor Who alum Jodie Whittaker are set to lead the second season of the BBC’s award-winning prison drama Time, which is scheduled to begin filming in Liverpool soon. Created by Jimmy McGovern (Broken), Time explores life behind bars, with the first season following the story of inmate Mark Cobden (Sean Bean) and prison guard Eric McNally (Stephen Graham). The three-part second season will change things up with a moving and high-stakes portrayal of life inside a women’s prison. Starring alongside Ramsey and Whittaker are Tamara Lawrance (The Silent Twins) and Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley), who is reprising her role from Season 1 as Marie-Louise, a prison chaplain. The series follows Kelsey (Ramsey), Orla (Whittaker), and Abi (Lawrance) as they arrive at Carlingford Prison on the same day and are thrown together to face an unfamiliar world. Yet, even with the ever-present...
- 4/11/2023
- TV Insider
The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey has been cast in the second season of BBC prison drama Time alongside Jodie Whittaker, Tamara Lawrance and Siobhan Finneran.
Jimmy McGovern’s show, which featured Stephen Graham and Sean Bean as leads in its heart-wrenching first season, will move on to a women’s prison where Ramsey will play Kelsey, thrown together to face an unfamiliar world with Orla (Whittaker) and Abi (Lawrance).
Even with the ever-present threat of violence within its walls, they discover that an unexpected sense of community, and a shared understanding, still might be possible.
“I’m very happy to be a part of this project, working with an incredible team and following on from a stellar first season” said Ramsey. “And it’s such an honor to be Kelsey, I’m really excited to experience the world through her for a few months.” Deadline revealed Ramsey’s...
Jimmy McGovern’s show, which featured Stephen Graham and Sean Bean as leads in its heart-wrenching first season, will move on to a women’s prison where Ramsey will play Kelsey, thrown together to face an unfamiliar world with Orla (Whittaker) and Abi (Lawrance).
Even with the ever-present threat of violence within its walls, they discover that an unexpected sense of community, and a shared understanding, still might be possible.
“I’m very happy to be a part of this project, working with an incredible team and following on from a stellar first season” said Ramsey. “And it’s such an honor to be Kelsey, I’m really excited to experience the world through her for a few months.” Deadline revealed Ramsey’s...
- 4/11/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Tl;Dr:
Ringo Starr had several health issues growing up.Fans wrote in asking Ringo Starr if they could have his tonsils.A different fan stole the hair off Ringo Starr’s head. Ringo Starr and George Harrison | Whittaker/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
In 1964, Ringo Starr had a tonsillectomy, and Beatles fans waited to hear hourly bulletins with updates on his condition. The surgery went well, and thousands of fans wrote in to ask Starr for his tonsils. In response, Starr had to issue a statement informing fans exactly what he would do with his tonsils.
The Beatles drummer dealt with health issues throughout his life
When Starr was six years old, he had an appendectomy. After the procedure, he contracted peritonitis and fell into a coma, leaving him in the hospital for a year.
Today is vegetarian food art Thanks art piece peace and love. ??????? pic.twitter.
Ringo Starr had several health issues growing up.Fans wrote in asking Ringo Starr if they could have his tonsils.A different fan stole the hair off Ringo Starr’s head. Ringo Starr and George Harrison | Whittaker/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
In 1964, Ringo Starr had a tonsillectomy, and Beatles fans waited to hear hourly bulletins with updates on his condition. The surgery went well, and thousands of fans wrote in to ask Starr for his tonsils. In response, Starr had to issue a statement informing fans exactly what he would do with his tonsils.
The Beatles drummer dealt with health issues throughout his life
When Starr was six years old, he had an appendectomy. After the procedure, he contracted peritonitis and fell into a coma, leaving him in the hospital for a year.
Today is vegetarian food art Thanks art piece peace and love. ??????? pic.twitter.
- 2/4/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
1899 star Aneurin Barnard is joining the cast of Doctor Who when Ncuti Gatwa takes over as the Time Lord.
The Welsh actor, who starred in Netflix’s sci-fi series before it was cancelled last week after just one season, will play the “mysterious” new character Roger ap Gwilliam.
Barnard will appear on the show alongside forthcoming Doctor Gatwa and his new companion Ruby Sunday played by Millie Gibson.
“Pleased to announce i have joined the @bbcdoctorwho family for a little while,” Barnard tweeted on Monday (9 January).
The news was shared by returning showrunner Russell T Davies, who also announced that Jemma Redgrave would be back for Gatwa’s series as United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (Unit) head Kate Lethbridge-Stewart.
“Doctor Who News!” Davies wrote on Instagram. “Jemma Redgrave returns as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart in Ncuti & Millie’s first series.
“Also starring Aneurin Barnard as the mysterious Roger ap Gwilliam Such great actors,...
The Welsh actor, who starred in Netflix’s sci-fi series before it was cancelled last week after just one season, will play the “mysterious” new character Roger ap Gwilliam.
Barnard will appear on the show alongside forthcoming Doctor Gatwa and his new companion Ruby Sunday played by Millie Gibson.
“Pleased to announce i have joined the @bbcdoctorwho family for a little while,” Barnard tweeted on Monday (9 January).
The news was shared by returning showrunner Russell T Davies, who also announced that Jemma Redgrave would be back for Gatwa’s series as United Nations Intelligence Taskforce (Unit) head Kate Lethbridge-Stewart.
“Doctor Who News!” Davies wrote on Instagram. “Jemma Redgrave returns as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart in Ncuti & Millie’s first series.
“Also starring Aneurin Barnard as the mysterious Roger ap Gwilliam Such great actors,...
- 1/9/2023
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - TV
Warning: Includes Signposted set report Spoilers And Rumours At The Bottom Of The Page.
Series 14 of Doctor Who will be extra-special as it ushers in a brand-new era in unique circumstances. In Series 13 we bade farewell to Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall, and before the series finished airing the BBC announced Russell T Davies was returning as showrunner and the new Doctor would be Ncuti Gatwa.
And then the explosive Series 13 finale ‘The Power of the Doctor’ threw a big old sonic spanner in the works. When Whittaker regenerated, instead of getting a sneak peek at Gatwa as the new Doctor (as we have with all other modern Doctor Who regenerations), we got the surprise twist of David Tennant returning.
We now know that Tennant will be the official Fourteenth Doctor for the three 60th anniversary episodes, with Gatwa apparently playing Fifteen, the only hint of him so far...
Series 14 of Doctor Who will be extra-special as it ushers in a brand-new era in unique circumstances. In Series 13 we bade farewell to Jodie Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall, and before the series finished airing the BBC announced Russell T Davies was returning as showrunner and the new Doctor would be Ncuti Gatwa.
And then the explosive Series 13 finale ‘The Power of the Doctor’ threw a big old sonic spanner in the works. When Whittaker regenerated, instead of getting a sneak peek at Gatwa as the new Doctor (as we have with all other modern Doctor Who regenerations), we got the surprise twist of David Tennant returning.
We now know that Tennant will be the official Fourteenth Doctor for the three 60th anniversary episodes, with Gatwa apparently playing Fifteen, the only hint of him so far...
- 12/19/2022
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Millie Gibson was announced as Doctor Who’s next companion live on BBC One’s Children in Need on Friday (18 November).
The 18-year-old Coronation Street star will join the series alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who will succeed returning star David Tennant as the Time Lord.
The young actor said she hopes to “make you all happy” and fill the shoes of companions past in the upcoming series. For her portrayal of Kelly in Corrie, Gibson won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2022.
Gibson also announced that her character’s name would be Ruby Sunday (though did not reveal the spelling of her surname when asked if it was “Sunday” or “Sundae”).
Tennant will return as the Doctor for three episodes in November 2023 alongside former companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate). Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney will also feature in the specials.
The return of Tennant came at the end of Jodie Whittaker’s final outing,...
The 18-year-old Coronation Street star will join the series alongside Ncuti Gatwa, who will succeed returning star David Tennant as the Time Lord.
The young actor said she hopes to “make you all happy” and fill the shoes of companions past in the upcoming series. For her portrayal of Kelly in Corrie, Gibson won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2022.
Gibson also announced that her character’s name would be Ruby Sunday (though did not reveal the spelling of her surname when asked if it was “Sunday” or “Sundae”).
Tennant will return as the Doctor for three episodes in November 2023 alongside former companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate). Heartstopper’s Yasmin Finney will also feature in the specials.
The return of Tennant came at the end of Jodie Whittaker’s final outing,...
- 11/18/2022
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - TV
"Andor" has only one episode left in its stellar first season, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. The Disney+ series has time and again broken new ground in telling a "Star Wars" story, creating a moody and atmospheric spy show that happens to take place in a galaxy far, far away. However, upon its initial conception and announcement, there was always the concern that fans of "Star Wars" wouldn't get invested. The reason is that Cassian's character and fate are already pre-determined, as the show is a prequel to "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," where the show's characters meets his demise. However, rather than letting the preexisting future of its title character be a detriment to "Andor," series creator Tony Gilroy opted to use it to his advantage.
If anything, the story of "Andor" strengthens "Rogue One" as a film, adding more emotional weight to an already strong story.
If anything, the story of "Andor" strengthens "Rogue One" as a film, adding more emotional weight to an already strong story.
- 11/17/2022
- by Ernesto Valenzuela
- Slash Film
The Doctor Who Centenary Special "The Power of the Doctor" was an emotional time for Whovians all over the globe, as fans said farewell to Jodie Whittaker's history-making turn as the Doctor. It had been previously announced that "Sex Education" star Ncuti Gatwa had been cast as the next regeneration, so imagine the intense shock to the system felt by all when Gatwa did not regenerate on screen, but instead Tenth Doctor David Tennant appeared to take Whittaker's place. The return of David Tennant's Doctor is a fascinating decision from a storytelling perspective, but fans were dismayed when the Doctor's regeneration also included a change of wardrobe.
This might sound like an oddly specific character trait to be upset about, but the Doctor's regeneration has consistently included the transformation into the clothing of the previous Doctor since the conclusion of the 1966 serial "The Tenth Planet." The fact Tennant...
This might sound like an oddly specific character trait to be upset about, but the Doctor's regeneration has consistently included the transformation into the clothing of the previous Doctor since the conclusion of the 1966 serial "The Tenth Planet." The fact Tennant...
- 11/11/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Russell T Davies has explained why David Tennant’s Doctor was not wearing Jodie Whittaker’s clothes when he regenerated.
Typically in Doctor Who, when the Time Lords regenerate, the new incarnation is introduced while wearing the same costume as the previous actor.
However, when Tennant returned as the character at the end of the most recent special, he was wearing a different outfit, which was the first time since 1966, when William Hartnell transformed into Patrick Troughton. This led many fans to question what has inspired Davies’s decision.
In a new interview, Davies, who has returned to showrun the BBC series, said he “was very certain that I didn’t want David to appear in Jodie’s costume” as he was worried it would “make a mockery” of drag culture.
He told Doctor Who Magazine: “I think the notion of men dressing in 'women's clothes', the notion of drag,...
Typically in Doctor Who, when the Time Lords regenerate, the new incarnation is introduced while wearing the same costume as the previous actor.
However, when Tennant returned as the character at the end of the most recent special, he was wearing a different outfit, which was the first time since 1966, when William Hartnell transformed into Patrick Troughton. This led many fans to question what has inspired Davies’s decision.
In a new interview, Davies, who has returned to showrun the BBC series, said he “was very certain that I didn’t want David to appear in Jodie’s costume” as he was worried it would “make a mockery” of drag culture.
He told Doctor Who Magazine: “I think the notion of men dressing in 'women's clothes', the notion of drag,...
- 11/10/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
Warning: contains spoilers for ‘The Power of the Doctor’.
Few Doctor Who fans will forget Jodie Whittaker’s final moments on the show, before she shockingly regenerated into David Tennant, but when ‘The Power of the Doctor’ script was added to the BBC Writersroom script library, some were surprised to see her final words were different to the regeneration scene broadcast.
In the episode, we saw Jodie regenerate after saying ‘Right then, Doctor-whoever-i’m-about-to-be: tag, you’re it!’ but the original script has this line coming before she says ‘Ah, that’s the only sad thing. I want to know what happens next. I bet it’s going to be brilliant.’
Fans will recognise this as a nod to Whittaker’s first words as the Doctor: ‘Oh, brilliant!’ which is all we heard her say before she was dramatically thrown from the Tardis to fall towards Earth at the end...
Few Doctor Who fans will forget Jodie Whittaker’s final moments on the show, before she shockingly regenerated into David Tennant, but when ‘The Power of the Doctor’ script was added to the BBC Writersroom script library, some were surprised to see her final words were different to the regeneration scene broadcast.
In the episode, we saw Jodie regenerate after saying ‘Right then, Doctor-whoever-i’m-about-to-be: tag, you’re it!’ but the original script has this line coming before she says ‘Ah, that’s the only sad thing. I want to know what happens next. I bet it’s going to be brilliant.’
Fans will recognise this as a nod to Whittaker’s first words as the Doctor: ‘Oh, brilliant!’ which is all we heard her say before she was dramatically thrown from the Tardis to fall towards Earth at the end...
- 11/7/2022
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
David Tennant is back on Doctor Who, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Sure, we have questions about the how. Going into “The Power of the Doctor,” we knew that Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor would be regenerating, but we thought we’d see Ncuti Gatwa, previously announced to be the Fourteenth Doctor. Tennant, along with Catherine Tate’s Donna Noble, was expected to appear in the 60th anniversary special. Instead, Whittaker’s Doctor regenerated into Tennant’s (“What?!”), he’s now the Fourteenth, and Gatwa is the Fifteenth. In honor of Tennant’s return, we’re rounding up the best episodes from his first time as the Doctor. “The Christmas Invasion” (2005 Christmas Special) In the episode that truly introduced the Tenth Doctor, even he, upon waking following his regeneration, had questions about who he was. “I’m the Doctor, but beyond that, I just don’t know. I...
- 10/31/2022
- TV Insider
A brand-new era of "Doctor Who" is upon us, and not just because Jodie Whittaker has finished her run as the intrepid Time Lord they call The Doctor. Starting in 2023, the long-running sci-fi series — a British institution since its launch in 1963 and revival in 2005 — is going where it has never gone before. No, not the corners of time and space that don't look suspiciously like Europe in disguise (or the rare trip elsewhere), I'm referring to its new home on Disney+.
Under the watchful eyes of Russell T. Davies, who's returning as showrunner more than a decade after overseeing the first four seasons of the series' modern run, new episodes of "Doctor Who" will stream on Disney+ outside of the U.K. and Ireland. However, according to The Telegraph, the Mouse House won't be merely providing a new global platform for the show. Per the outlet, "The American corporation will...
Under the watchful eyes of Russell T. Davies, who's returning as showrunner more than a decade after overseeing the first four seasons of the series' modern run, new episodes of "Doctor Who" will stream on Disney+ outside of the U.K. and Ireland. However, according to The Telegraph, the Mouse House won't be merely providing a new global platform for the show. Per the outlet, "The American corporation will...
- 10/28/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
BBC America paid its final respects to “Killing Eve” in April; now, “Doctor Who” is (time-) traveling away to Disney+. Guess what BBC America’s top two shows were?
The extremely long-running British series will now stream on Disney+ outside of the UK and Ireland. While we’re about a year out from that deal’s debut, the “intention” is for “Doctor Who” on Disney+ to stream the same day episodes air on Britain’s BBC One, a person with knowledge of the plans told IndieWire. For the next few years, BBC America, a joint venture between AMC Networks and BBC Studios, will continue to have the linear license for several prior seasons of “Doctor Who.” The limited catalogue will include all of the Jodie Whittaker seasons and a dozen specials.
Disney’s “Doctor Who” deal follows a somewhat similar platform change for “Dancing With the Stars,” which is produced...
The extremely long-running British series will now stream on Disney+ outside of the UK and Ireland. While we’re about a year out from that deal’s debut, the “intention” is for “Doctor Who” on Disney+ to stream the same day episodes air on Britain’s BBC One, a person with knowledge of the plans told IndieWire. For the next few years, BBC America, a joint venture between AMC Networks and BBC Studios, will continue to have the linear license for several prior seasons of “Doctor Who.” The limited catalogue will include all of the Jodie Whittaker seasons and a dozen specials.
Disney’s “Doctor Who” deal follows a somewhat similar platform change for “Dancing With the Stars,” which is produced...
- 10/28/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Peter Capaldi has said that his Catholic upbringing meant he “saw something familiar” in horror films.
The Scottish actor was discussing his latest role in Amazon Prime horror series The Devil’s Hour when he said that he found watching horrors “comforting”.
“I’ve always liked a good horror film,” Capaldi told The Telegraph in a recent interview. “I find them comforting, rather than disturbing,” he said.
Capaldi explained that he watched the films to relax, turning to classics like Dracula: “Those films remind me of my childhood,” he said. “I was brought up Catholic, so when I watched horror I think I saw something familiar – gore.”
Elsewhere in the interview Capaldi discussed his disillusionment with British politics, saying that if given the opportunity again, he would vote for Scottish independence.
The ex Doctor Who actor also said he would not be interested in appearing as a Doctor again.
“In...
The Scottish actor was discussing his latest role in Amazon Prime horror series The Devil’s Hour when he said that he found watching horrors “comforting”.
“I’ve always liked a good horror film,” Capaldi told The Telegraph in a recent interview. “I find them comforting, rather than disturbing,” he said.
Capaldi explained that he watched the films to relax, turning to classics like Dracula: “Those films remind me of my childhood,” he said. “I was brought up Catholic, so when I watched horror I think I saw something familiar – gore.”
Elsewhere in the interview Capaldi discussed his disillusionment with British politics, saying that if given the opportunity again, he would vote for Scottish independence.
The ex Doctor Who actor also said he would not be interested in appearing as a Doctor again.
“In...
- 10/28/2022
- by Megan Graye
- The Independent - TV
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Ian Whittaker, the British actor turned Oscar-winning set decorator known for his work on such films as Alien, Howards End, Tommy and Anna and the King, died Oct. 16 of prostate cancer, The Guardian reported. He was 94.
Whittaker also served as set dresser on Charlie Chaplin’s A Countess From Hong Kong (1967), James Clavell’s To Sir, With Love (1967), Tony Richardson’s The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968) and Jim Sharman’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and as art director on Michael Ritchie’s Downhill Racer (1969) and Derek Jarman’s The Tempest (1979).
He collaborated with director Ken Russell on nine features, from the 1971 releases The Music Lovers, The Boy Friend and The Devils to Tommy (1975), Lisztomania (1975) — both featuring The Who’s Roger Daltrey — and the Rudolf Nureyev-starring Valentino (1977).
Whittaker received his Oscar — shared with his production designer Luciana Arrighi, with whom he...
Ian Whittaker, the British actor turned Oscar-winning set decorator known for his work on such films as Alien, Howards End, Tommy and Anna and the King, died Oct. 16 of prostate cancer, The Guardian reported. He was 94.
Whittaker also served as set dresser on Charlie Chaplin’s A Countess From Hong Kong (1967), James Clavell’s To Sir, With Love (1967), Tony Richardson’s The Charge of the Light Brigade (1968) and Jim Sharman’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and as art director on Michael Ritchie’s Downhill Racer (1969) and Derek Jarman’s The Tempest (1979).
He collaborated with director Ken Russell on nine features, from the 1971 releases The Music Lovers, The Boy Friend and The Devils to Tommy (1975), Lisztomania (1975) — both featuring The Who’s Roger Daltrey — and the Rudolf Nureyev-starring Valentino (1977).
Whittaker received his Oscar — shared with his production designer Luciana Arrighi, with whom he...
- 10/27/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warning: Contains major spoilers for Doctor Who ‘The Power of the Doctor’
News is emerging that the owners of Durdle Door aren’t too happy about their historic landmark being the scene of the thirteenth Doctor’s regeneration in Doctor Who.
Over four million of us tuned in on Sunday night to watch Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor shockingly regenerate into David Tennant in the climax of her final episode, ‘The Power of the Doctor’. It was one of the most anticipated TV moments of the year, and – judging from the reactions on Twitter – the Whovians went wild, essentially becoming the personification of the ‘screaming, crying, throwing up’ meme.
Although many fans were possibly so beside themselves about Tennant’s return that they barely registered where the scene was filmed, this particularly scenic regeneration took place on top of the famous Durdle Door arch near Lulworth in Dorset. However, the owners...
News is emerging that the owners of Durdle Door aren’t too happy about their historic landmark being the scene of the thirteenth Doctor’s regeneration in Doctor Who.
Over four million of us tuned in on Sunday night to watch Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor shockingly regenerate into David Tennant in the climax of her final episode, ‘The Power of the Doctor’. It was one of the most anticipated TV moments of the year, and – judging from the reactions on Twitter – the Whovians went wild, essentially becoming the personification of the ‘screaming, crying, throwing up’ meme.
Although many fans were possibly so beside themselves about Tennant’s return that they barely registered where the scene was filmed, this particularly scenic regeneration took place on top of the famous Durdle Door arch near Lulworth in Dorset. However, the owners...
- 10/27/2022
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Set decorator who worked for Merchant Ivory productions, and with Ken Russell and Ridley Scott
The set decorator Ian Whittaker, who has died of prostate cancer aged 94, won an Oscar for the 1992 screen version of Em Forster’s Howards End. This was among the best in a string of literary adaptations directed by James Ivory, produced by Ismail Merchant and scripted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. Whittaker was in the running for another Oscar for the same team’s film of Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day (1993), though his career was not confined to costume drama. “Council houses, stately homes, spaceships, I’ve done them all,” he said.
His first nomination was for Ridley Scott’s intergalactic horror smash Alien (1979). To build the futuristic interior of the Nostromo spacecraft, where most of the action takes place, he assembled bits and bobs of old washing machines: “We just stuck them...
The set decorator Ian Whittaker, who has died of prostate cancer aged 94, won an Oscar for the 1992 screen version of Em Forster’s Howards End. This was among the best in a string of literary adaptations directed by James Ivory, produced by Ismail Merchant and scripted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. Whittaker was in the running for another Oscar for the same team’s film of Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Remains of the Day (1993), though his career was not confined to costume drama. “Council houses, stately homes, spaceships, I’ve done them all,” he said.
His first nomination was for Ridley Scott’s intergalactic horror smash Alien (1979). To build the futuristic interior of the Nostromo spacecraft, where most of the action takes place, he assembled bits and bobs of old washing machines: “We just stuck them...
- 10/26/2022
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
I thought my days complaining about queerbaiting in beloved genre shows died when Tumblr removed Nsfw content, but the completion of the "Doctor Who" centenary special has me coming out of retirement to criticize the blatant queerbaiting injected into the relationship between The Doctor and her companion Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill). As the first female Doctor in the show's decades-long history, Jodie Whittaker's run with writing by Chris Chibnall has been ... complicated, to put it kindly.
In her review of "The Power of the Doctor," our resident Whovian expert Hoai-Tran Bui described the Chibnall/Whittaker era as being "mired in clunky writing, nonsensical plots, half-realized characters, and empty spectacle" all while "missing the heart that made those kinds of quirks bearable." Whittaker and her historic first female Doctor deserved better, as did the queer fans who were seemingly promised genuine representation for the very first time, only to have...
In her review of "The Power of the Doctor," our resident Whovian expert Hoai-Tran Bui described the Chibnall/Whittaker era as being "mired in clunky writing, nonsensical plots, half-realized characters, and empty spectacle" all while "missing the heart that made those kinds of quirks bearable." Whittaker and her historic first female Doctor deserved better, as did the queer fans who were seemingly promised genuine representation for the very first time, only to have...
- 10/26/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Warning: contains spoilers for Series 11, 12, Doctor Who: Flux and the 2022 Specials.
The mere mention of ex-showrunner Chris Chibnall is enough to trigger rage in some Doctor Who fans, and for a variety of reasons. There are the souls who cling to a past that is widely commercially available, and rant about ‘wokeness’. Whatever they need to help them, it almost certainly won’t be found here. Then there are those who find issue with Chibnall’s writing of the show beyond its entertainment value. And finally, there are the people who enjoy this version of Doctor Who and are furious at the level of abuse hurled at it. Given that we’ve already discussed the shortcomings of the Chibnall era here and here, let’s now look at what has worked over the past three series of Doctor Who.
Series 11 injected some freshness by moving out of London and avoiding returning monsters.
The mere mention of ex-showrunner Chris Chibnall is enough to trigger rage in some Doctor Who fans, and for a variety of reasons. There are the souls who cling to a past that is widely commercially available, and rant about ‘wokeness’. Whatever they need to help them, it almost certainly won’t be found here. Then there are those who find issue with Chibnall’s writing of the show beyond its entertainment value. And finally, there are the people who enjoy this version of Doctor Who and are furious at the level of abuse hurled at it. Given that we’ve already discussed the shortcomings of the Chibnall era here and here, let’s now look at what has worked over the past three series of Doctor Who.
Series 11 injected some freshness by moving out of London and avoiding returning monsters.
- 10/26/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
This Doctor Who article contains spoilers for The Power of the Doctor.
Ncuti Gatwa has a David Tennant problem. The Sex Education star had been announced as the next Doctor, following Jodie Whittaker‘s tenure as the Time Lord’s 13th iteration. But when Whittaker’s iteration finished regenerating at the end of the special “The Power of the Doctor,” it wasn’t Gatwa’s face we saw, but that of Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor. Of course, this twist just sets up a mystery that will end with Gatwa properly taking on the role down the line. But even when he does jump into the Tardis for series 14, he’s not quite ready to quit Tennant altogether.
In an new video from the BBC, Gatwa discusses the villains he’d like to fight as the Doctor. Unsurprisingly, he picks the Weeping Angels, perhaps the most-notable bad guys of the NuWho era.
Ncuti Gatwa has a David Tennant problem. The Sex Education star had been announced as the next Doctor, following Jodie Whittaker‘s tenure as the Time Lord’s 13th iteration. But when Whittaker’s iteration finished regenerating at the end of the special “The Power of the Doctor,” it wasn’t Gatwa’s face we saw, but that of Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor. Of course, this twist just sets up a mystery that will end with Gatwa properly taking on the role down the line. But even when he does jump into the Tardis for series 14, he’s not quite ready to quit Tennant altogether.
In an new video from the BBC, Gatwa discusses the villains he’d like to fight as the Doctor. Unsurprisingly, he picks the Weeping Angels, perhaps the most-notable bad guys of the NuWho era.
- 10/25/2022
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Ahead of the forthcoming season of BBC’s Doctor Who, the series has revealed its “new logo for a new era”.
The 60th anniversary – which will to return in 2023 on the BBC in the UK and Disney Plus worldwide – will star Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor, replacing Jodie Whittaker, who left the show on Sunday (23 October) and David Tennant, who has returned to the role for three episodes,
On Tuesday (25 October), the BBC shared its remastered logo of the popular British sci-fi programme, and the result has received mixed reactions.
Numerous fans loved the new look, praising it for being “very old school” and comparing it to the 1973-1980 logo.
“They’ve remastered one of the classic logos??” one fan tweeted excitedly.
A second said it was a “gorgeous remake”, while a third found it “old school but modern at the same time”.
“Important news: the diamond logo is back!
The 60th anniversary – which will to return in 2023 on the BBC in the UK and Disney Plus worldwide – will star Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor, replacing Jodie Whittaker, who left the show on Sunday (23 October) and David Tennant, who has returned to the role for three episodes,
On Tuesday (25 October), the BBC shared its remastered logo of the popular British sci-fi programme, and the result has received mixed reactions.
Numerous fans loved the new look, praising it for being “very old school” and comparing it to the 1973-1980 logo.
“They’ve remastered one of the classic logos??” one fan tweeted excitedly.
A second said it was a “gorgeous remake”, while a third found it “old school but modern at the same time”.
“Important news: the diamond logo is back!
- 10/25/2022
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - TV
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