The BBC has announced a brand new Doctor Who spin-off which is set to star returning Who actors and British acting royalty.
BBC and Disney Branded Television jointly announced their first brand new Doctor Who spin-off titled The War Between The Land And The Sea, during San Diego Comic-Con today (Friday, July 26).
The new series will focus on UNIT as the military organisation faces a mysterious ancient species in a new war.
A plot teaser from the BBC reads: “When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. “With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.”
Russell Tovey, who previously appeared as Midshipman Alonso Frame in Doctor Who, returns to the Whoniverse alongside Surface and Loki star Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
The new show for BBC and Disney+ will also see Jemma Redgrave return as UNIT’s Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and Alexander Devrient back as Colonel Ibrahim.
The series was created by Doctor Who showrunner and executive producer Russell T Davies, who has written the series with Doctor Who and A Discovery of Witches writer Pete McTighe.
Russell T Davies said: “I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast. And this is a huge, muscular, thrilling drama which will shake The Whoniverse to its foundations. When the Doctor’s not in town, the whole of humanity is in trouble.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama, BBC said “The War Between The Land and The Sea is another utterly unique and gripping drama from Russell T Davies and we’re delighted to welcome the show to The Whoniverse! Featuring a stellar cast, with Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw taking on leading roles, this brand new epic mini series will leave audiences on the edge of their seats as they watch UNIT take on one of their biggest battles to save humanity.”
Filming will kick off next month and will be directed by Dylan Holmes-Williams. Dylan directed two ‘Doctor Who’ Season One episodes, namely 73 Yards and Dot and Bubble.
The show is being produced by Bad Wolf, which includes executive producers Russell T Davies, Julie Gardner, Jane Tranter, Joel Collins and Phil Collinson.
The series will also be produced with the support of Welsh Government via Creative Wales.
