Doctor Who Series 11 is upon us!
San Diego Comic-Con debuted many new wonders for Doctor Who fans, including a new trailer, a new sonic screwdriver, and quotes from the cast and showrunner, including the new Doctor herself.
Jodie Whittaker was in attendance at BBC America’s Doctor Who press conference today and she brought with her two new friends Mandip Gill and Tosin Cole, as well as showrunner Chris Chibnall and executive producer Matt Strevens.
An Invitation to Something New
While Chibnall confirmed that the 13th Doctor is still the Doctor, she will be spearheading a new kind of Doctor Who series.
“This season is the best place for new Whovians to explore and discover,” Chibnall said. “You don’t need to be an encyclopedia of Doctor Who to enjoy the new season.” Chibnall affirmed that this season is really meant for new fans.
“This season will feature all new monsters, villains, and stories,” Chibnall shared, so don’t expect to see Daleks, Cybermen, or any familiar faces during Series 11. It will, however, feature an epic slate of guest actors and will be the most, “cinematic, accessible, and inclusive season ever.”
EP Stevens affirmed that there is an increased diversity in front of the camera with Whittaker, Cole, and Gill, and also behind the camera with new writers, directors, and crew.
“Being the first woman to play the Doctor is incredibly liberating. Regeneration means making it your own.” – Jodie Whittaker #DoctorWho #SDCC @getFANDOM
— Lauren ✨ Galaxy (@LaurenGallaway) July 19, 2018
Jodie also echoed that the season’s inclusivity is a great place for new Doctor Who fans to start, especially men and women who typically haven’t seen themselves reflected in past seasons of Doctor Who.
Despite the sheer amount of newness in this series, Chibnall also promised that it will also be the “most extreme hits” of everything Doctor Who fans love about Who.
Doctor Who Series 11 Trailer
Chibnall also confirmed that the 10-episode season will be followed by a Christmas Special. The Doctor Who Christmas Special has run consistently for the last 13 years, since the series came back in 2005.
While the cast was tight-lipped about the new TARDIS — since it blew up — they did unveil the 13th Doctor’s sonic screwdriver. It features a stunning design that looks very primordial.
A first look at the Thirteenth Doctor's new sonic screwdriver, available right now at the BBC Shop at @BBCAMERICA booth #4129! #DoctorWho #SDCC pic.twitter.com/jCvMC3o8C9
— Doctor Who on BBC America (@DoctorWho_BBCA) July 19, 2018
The Thirteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver has been revealed and you can pre-order the toy now! #DoctorWho https://t.co/aV62ZUG4B2 pic.twitter.com/IDMdlvPT4G
— Christel Dee (@ChristelDee) July 19, 2018
You can see the 13th Doctor, her new sonic screwdriver, and meet all of her new friends when Doctor Who Series 11 premieres later this Fall.