Title: Doctor Who Makes Global Debut on Disney+ with New Star Ncuti Gatwa

Doctor Who, the beloved and long-running BBC series, is set to make history with its first-ever simultaneous worldwide release of a new season on Disney+ this Friday. Fans of the Whoniverse have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ncuti Gatwa, known for his roles in Barbie and Sex Education, as the fifteenth incarnation of the Doctor. Gatwa made his debut in the Whovian franchise in last year's Christmas special, "The Church on Ruby Road," alongside new companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson.

Originally running from 1963 to 1989, Doctor Who was relaunched in 2005 and has since captured the hearts of viewers across the globe. The new season is being touted as "season one" on Disney+ in a bid to attract new viewers to the series via streaming. The Hollywood Reporter's chief TV critic, Daniel Fienberg, praised the series refresh, particularly highlighting Gatwa's performance as a "lively burst of energy" that brings back the wide-eyed enthusiasm reminiscent of previous Doctors, such as Matt Smith.

Returning showrunner Russell T Davies recently shared insights into the opening two episodes of the eight-episode season. Remaining spoiler-free, Davies discussed the use of humor in Doctor Who, emphasizing the freedom and trust given to him by the BBC and Disney+. He expressed excitement about exploring new territory and appealing to both new and seasoned fans with a widened range of humor that caters to different age groups.

While embracing fresh elements, Doctor Who also maintains certain staples that resonate with fans. Davies, a self-proclaimed oldest fan of the show, spoke of the joy he experiences when a new companion steps into the iconic TARDIS. He likened it to the anticipation of Christmas or a birthday, emphasizing that each time this moment happens, it feels brand new. He praised Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson for their exceptional performances as the new Doctor-Companion duo, highlighting their chemistry and dedication to their roles.

Davies also touched on the production's confidence in allowing the audience to connect with the characters, showcased through scenes where the camera remains on them for extended periods. He expressed pride in the actors and the way their performances captivate viewers. An interesting tidbit mentioned was the inclusion of a Beatles-themed episode titled "The Devil's Chord," where the script initially contained puns and references to Beatles song titles, which ultimately had to be cut due to time constraints.

As for the season finale, Davies teased that more surprises and unexpected appearances are in store for fans. With a few unannounced cast members and the promise of a phenomenal scene delivered by a great actor, the finale is expected to leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Fans can catch the new season of Doctor Who streaming on Disney+ starting Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m., marking a landmark moment for the series as it reaches a global audience simultaneously.