The galactic world of Doctor Who is set to expand, with the BBC and Disney Branded Television jointly announcing details of a brand new spin-off series ‘The War Between The Land And The Sea’, during San Diego Comic-Con.
In a press release, the shows synopsis 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”.
Doctor Who Showrunner and Executive Producer Russell T Davies is the brains behind the project, and will write the first season with Pete McTighe (A Discovery of Witches, The Pact, Doctor Who).
Leading the five-part series is Russell Tovey (Feud, American Horror Story: NYC) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Surface, Loki). The show will also see the return of UNIT alumni Jemma Redgrave (Doctor Who, Grantchester) who will reprise her role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, and Alexander Devrient (Doctor Who, Ted Lasso) as Colonel Ibrahim.
Filming begins next month and will be directed by Dylan Holmes Williams, director of two Doctor Who Season One episodes – ‘73 Yards’ and ‘Dot and Bubble’.
It will air exclusively on Disney+ where available, and BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the U.K.
Commenting on the new programme, showrunner, writer and executive producer Russell T Davies says: “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.”
With director of drama at The BBC Lindsay Salt adding: “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.”