The TARDIS is gearing up for another journey as details emerge about the highly anticipated Doctor Who season 15. With a confirmed release date and exciting hints about the cast and plot, fans are eager to dive back into the Whoniverse. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming season.
Doctor Who Season 15 Release Date Confirmed
Mark your calendars, Whovians! Doctor Who season 15 is officially set to premiere on April 12th. Unlike the previous season, which debuted episodes at midnight UK time on BBC iPlayer, season 15 will switch things up. Episodes will be available on the streaming platform from 8am UK time before their broadcast on BBC One later that day.
This release schedule places season 15 almost a year after season 14, which premiered in May 2024. Production for this season has been underway for a while, with filming commencing in October 2023 and wrapping up on May 26th, 2024. Showrunner Russell T Davies celebrated the wrap on Instagram, confirming the completion of “season 2” – referring to the second season with Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor.
Who’s Starring in Doctor Who Season 15? (Cast List)
Season 15 boasts a stellar cast of returning favorites and exciting new faces, ensuring thrilling adventures for the Fifteenth Doctor. Here’s a rundown of the confirmed cast members:
- Ncuti Gatwa as The Fifteenth Doctor
- Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra: Stepping into the companion role, Sethu’s Belinda Chandra is set to join the Doctor on his travels. While Sethu previously appeared in the episode “Boom” as Mundy Flynn, Belinda is a completely new character.
Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra in Doctor Who peering through a blind
Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra in Doctor Who. BBC Studios/James Pardon. Alt text: Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra peers through Venetian blinds in Doctor Who, a promotional image highlighting the new companion.
- Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday: While reports suggest Gibson will have a reduced role in season 15, Ruby Sunday will still be part of the Doctor’s universe. This shift allows for exploration of Ruby’s life on Earth, following the season 14 finale where she reconnected with her biological mother. Despite staying on Earth to explore her family connections, Ruby is confirmed to return in season 15, with storylines addressing post-traumatic stress from her previous adventures.
Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday and Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart in Doctor Who stood in a control room looking shocked
Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday and Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart in Doctor Who. BBC Studios/James Pardon. Alt text: Millie Gibson as Ruby Sunday and Jemma Redgrave as Kate Stewart look shocked in a UNIT control room in Doctor Who season 15.
- Jonah Hauer-King as TBC: Hauer-King is expected to play a significant role in Ruby’s storyline, possibly as a love interest.
- Jemma Redgrave as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart: The head of UNIT will continue to be a key figure in the Doctor’s world.
- Bonnie Langford as Melanie Bush: The classic companion is expected to return, further bridging the show’s rich history.
- Ruth Madeley as Shirley Anne Bingham: UNIT’s scientific advisor, Shirley Anne Bingham, will be back after her introduction in the 60th-anniversary specials.
- Alexander Devrient as Colonel Ibrahim: Another returning UNIT member, Colonel Ibrahim will likely be involved in Earth-based storylines.
- Michelle Greenidge as Carla Sunday & Angela Wynter as Cherry Sunday: Ruby’s adoptive mother and grandmother will continue to be part of her life and potentially the Doctor’s extended circle.
- Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood: The enigmatic neighbor, Mrs. Flood, is confirmed to return, and hopefully, season 15 will unravel more of her mysteries.
Anita Dobson as Mrs. Flood in Doctor Who. She is wearing a dark coloured gilet and tanned shirt, with her hands crossed as she looks across at something with confusion.
Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood in Doctor Who. James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios. Alt text: Anita Dobson as Mrs. Flood in Doctor Who, looking confused with arms crossed, hinting at her mysterious role in season 15.
- Susan Twist as Susan Triad: Twist, who appeared in multiple roles throughout season 14, is back after her character Susan Triad was freed from Sutekh’s influence. She is expected to be linked with UNIT.
Susan Twist wearing a white blouse and brown suit jacket, looking up.
Susan Twist. James Pardon/Bad Wolf/BBC Studios. Alt text: Susan Twist in a promotional image for Doctor Who season 15, hinting at her return after multiple roles in season 14.
- Alan Cumming as Mr Ring-a-Ding (voice): Cumming joins as the voice of a cartoon character, Mr Ring-a-Ding, who emerges from a 1952 movie screen with sinister consequences.
- Christopher Chung as Cassio: Chung is a guest star in season 15, playing a character named Cassio, with his allegiance yet to be revealed.
- Rose Ayling-Ellis as TBC: Ayling-Ellis will guest star in what Davies describes as an “absolutely terrifying” episode, promising a memorable performance.
How Many Episodes in Doctor Who Season 15?
Doctor Who season 15 will consist of eight thrilling episodes, maintaining the episode count of the previous season. The directing team for season 15 includes:
- Alex Pillai: Directing the first block of episodes.
- Peter Hoar: Returning to helm the second block after previously directing episodes.
- Amanda Brotchie, Ben A Williams, and Makalla McPherson: Rounding out the directorial team for the season.
Peter Hoar holding a BAFTA award.
Director Peter Hoar. Getty. Alt text: Director Peter Hoar holding a BAFTA award, confirmed to be directing episodes in Doctor Who season 15.
Who is Writing Doctor Who Season 15?
Russell T Davies is back as showrunner and writer, contributing to the scripts for season 15. Adding fresh voices to the writing team are:
- Pete McTighe: A returning Doctor Who writer.
- Juno Dawson, Inua Ellams, and Sharma Angel-Walfall: New writers joining the Doctor Who universe, bringing diverse perspectives and storytelling to the season.
Russell T Davies holds a microphone while speaking on stage
Russell T Davies. Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for CityCo. Alt text: Russell T Davies speaking at an event, returning as showrunner and writer for Doctor Who season 15.
These writers have expressed their excitement about contributing to the Doctor Who legacy, promising captivating narratives and adventures.
Doctor Who Season 15 Plot Speculation and Trailer Insights
While specific plot details are still under wraps, the teaser trailer and hints from the production team offer some clues about what to expect in season 15.
- UNIT Involvement: The trailer suggests Ruby Sunday will be working with UNIT, indicating Earth-bound adventures and threats.
- Mrs. Flood’s Mysteries: Mrs. Flood’s return and the trailer showing her with opera glasses suggest her storyline and enigmatic nature will be further explored.
- Pantheon of Discord: The trailer hints at the return of the Pantheon of Discord, suggesting cosmic threats and powerful adversaries. The emergence of Mr. Ring-a-Ding from a movie screen further hints at bizarre and reality-bending challenges.
- Companion Dynamics: Season 15 will likely introduce Belinda Chandra as the new full-time companion, with Ruby Sunday potentially rejoining later in the season, creating a dynamic team for the Doctor.
- Darker Tone: Davies mentioned Rose Ayling-Ellis’s episode being “terrifying,” suggesting season 15 might delve into darker themes and more frightening scenarios.
The season 14 finale concluded with Ruby finding her biological mother and choosing to stay on Earth to connect with her family. Season 15 will likely address Ruby’s life on Earth while also bringing her back into the Doctor’s orbit, balancing personal stories with universe-saving adventures.
Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra in Doctor Who in a green outfit in the TARDIS
Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra in Doctor Who. BBC Studios/James Pardon. Alt text: Varada Sethu as Belinda Chandra in the TARDIS in Doctor Who season 15, highlighting her role as the new companion.
Ncuti Gatwa in Doctor Who season 2 in a waistcoat in the TARDIS
Ncuti Gatwa in Doctor Who. BBC. Alt text: Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor in the TARDIS in Doctor Who season 15, ready for new adventures.
Watch the Doctor Who Season 15 Trailer
Yes, there is a teaser trailer for Doctor Who season 15! (Link to trailer can be added here if available).
Doctor Who season 15 is poised to be another thrilling chapter in the show’s enduring legacy. With a confirmed release date of April 12th, a captivating cast, and intriguing plot hints, fans have plenty to look forward to as the Doctor and his companions embark on new adventures across time and space. Get ready to tune in on BBC iPlayer and BBC One!
