Latest news with #Regeneration
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The ‘Doctor Who' Regeneration Controversy, Explained
Billie Piper as the 16th Doctor in 'Doctor Who' 'The Reality War,' the finale of the 15th season of Doctor Who, saw Ncuti Gatwa exit the role of the Doctor, regenerating into Billie Piper, who previously appeared in the series as the Doctor's companion. Fans of the show were shocked at the reveal, as recasting a former companion as the Doctor was a first for the long-running sci-fi series. The Doctor has been played by a total of 16 different actors across the show's 60-year history, with each new actor introduced via 'regeneration.' Doctor Who is an interesting example of a sci-fi story offering viewers an in-universe explanation for the inevitable recasting that occurs during a multi-decade series. The Doctor is a member of an ancient alien race known as the Time Lords, who have the ability to regenerate into a fresh body when fatally wounded, imbuing them with a new personality and appearance. Canonically, Time Lords are limited to 12 regenerations, but of course, the Doctor was granted an exception, so that the series could continue. The ability to regenerate can result in a Time Lord changing race and sex, and the Doctor's recent regenerations have introduced more diversity to the series, but the show's latest regeneration proved controversial with fans. The backlash wasn't some tedious culture war bickering, but a debate over canon, nostalgia and the future of the show. 'The Reality War' sees Ncuti Gatwa's Doctor regenerate into Billie Piper, who first appeared in the series as Rose Tyler. Rose was the Doctor's companion between 2005 and 2013, during the eras of Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, who both played the Time Lord. Many fans viewed the recasting of a previous companion as a desperate move motivated by nostalgia. One commentator even explained the casting through the lens of Spider-Man, so outsiders could understand the controversy. The discourse sparked a discussion about what kind of audience is still watching Doctor Who today, with some asserting that children are no longer the main audience of the series. Other commentators were disappointed to see Gatwa's time as the Doctor end so abruptly. Gatwa's Doctor was unusually short-lived, lasting a mere 18 months, and the actor never got to see his Doctor face off against the series' most iconic villains. Some viewed the modern Doctor Who regenerations as too frequent, with actors leaving the show before they could truly leave their mark on the role. Many comparisons were made to the MCU recasting Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, a movie which was widely viewed as a gimmick among Marvel fans. Some fans even suspected that there was more to the story, and that Piper's casting was a red herring, noting that Piper was not officially introduced as the Doctor in the show's credits. 'Just how and why she is back remains to be seen,' the BBC said in a suspiciously vague statement after the finale aired. 'It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the TARDIS, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told,' showrunner Russell T. Davies said. Despite the controversy, Piper sounded optimistic about her new role, saying that the opportunity to "step back on that TARDIS one more time was just something I couldn't refuse.'
Reuters
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Reuters
Doctor Who regenerates as Ncuti Gatwa leaves and Billie Piper returns
MANCHESTER, England, May 31 (Reuters) - Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black actor to play the lead role in British sci-fi show "Doctor Who", departed the series on Saturday in a season finale that saw familiar face Billie Piper reappear in his place. The Doctor, who travels through time in what appears to be a blue police telephone box, has the ability to regenerate, allowing a number of actors to play the role since the series was first broadcast in 1963. In a surprise twist, Gatwa regenerated into the form of Billie Piper - who played one of the Doctor's companions in 2005 and 2006. "I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have," said Gatwa, 32, who was announced as the 14th Doctor three years ago. Piper, 42, won plaudits for her portrayal of Rose Tyler, an instrumental character in the show's successful 2005 revival after a 16-year hiatus. "To be given the opportunity to step back on that TARDIS one more time was just something I couldn't refuse," Piper said, referring to the Doctor's police box. Showrunner Russell T. Davies said the "why and who" behind Piper's return to the show had yet to be told. "After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!" Davies said.
ITV News
26-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Derby's market hall reopens after seven-year multi-million-pound renovation
Hundreds turned out to see Derby's new Market Hall, Mark Gough reports Derby's Market Hall has reopened after a seven-year £3.5-million renovation. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Saturday morning (May 24th) - almost 159 years to the day since its original grand opening. Hundreds of people were seen queuing outside waiting to get inside the Grade II listed building. The Market Hall was officially declared open on 29 May, 1866 by Mayor Frederick Longdon, where the occasion was marked with an appropriate inaugural ceremony, including a performance of Handel's Messiah. The council said the transformed Market Hall will bring together the best of the region's independent shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment, and will offer a variety of new features and experiences for visitors, such as: Stallholders were setting up for the first week of trading, which began today (May 26th). Previously, the Market Hall often had to close to customers if there was a chance of strong winds, snow, or heavy rain in case the glass windows came out of their frames. These windows have now been replaced, and the extensive structural restoration of the roof was finished in August 2022. The revitalised Market Hall has also been redesigned with accessibility and inclusion at its heart, making it an accessible building for all visitors. Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, Councillor Nadine Peatfield, said: "This is a historic moment for everyone in the city to be celebrated by all. "Derby Market Hall will be a flagship, vibrant destination that will attract visitors from across the region and beyond. I am truly excited for the opening event, and I know that visitors will enjoy everything that the revitalised Market Hall has to offer. Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter's Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64m for the local economy every year. "
