Rumors are still surfacing about the future of "Doctor Who" beyond Season 10. It was already confirmed that showrunner Steven Moffat is departing the series after its tenth season and some are speculating that the current Doctor portrayer, Peter Capaldi, would leave the TARDIS, too.
Moffat somewhat confirmed that Capaldi will continue portraying the Time Lord on "Doctor Who" beyond Season 10, Parent Herald previously reported. However, rumors about the actor's departure have sparked once again and this time, he's not the only one rumored to exit the long-running BBC series after Season 10. The newly announced companion, Bill (Pearl Mackie), is said to bid adieu to "Doctor Who" after just one season of being Twelve's assistant.
Bill in the #TARDIS #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/Skqd8yPW1t
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) November 2, 2016
The rumor came from The Mirror, which claimed from insiders that the imminent arrival of new showrunner, Chris Chibnall, signals "a brand new show" and a "clean slate" for "Doctor Who." Apparently, this major change requires a "younger" and "dashing male lead" like David Tennant's Tenth Doctor, as well as "a young female companion."
According to The Mirror, it was the BBC management who wants to enact this huge change on "Doctor Who" Season 11. The series' merchandising has "dropped off sharply in recent years and there is a strong desire to boost the show's popularity among kids," and they probably feel that having a younger Doctor is the answer to their problem.
"Doctor Who" can boost its merchandise sales by "returning to its traditional tea-time slot" instead of "the post-Strictly position it languished in last year," The Mirror pointed out. However, these are all strictly rumors and confirmation from the "Doctor Who" team is yet to be had.
"Doctor Who" Season 10 will have 13 episodes, including this year's Christmas special titled "The Return of Doctor Mysterio." Season 10 premieres in April 2017 and will feature Michelle Gomez and Matt Lucas reprising their roles as Missy and Nardole, respectively.
Writers who penned episodes in past "Doctor Who" seasons are returning for Season 10, too. Jamie Mathieson is back to write episode five and Rona Munro is penning episode nine, which will both shoot in Cardiff this month, BBC announced.
What do you think of Capaldi and Mackie leaving "Doctor Who" after Season 10? Should the series showcase a new, younger Doctor? Which actor do you want to pilot the TARDIS next? Share your thoughts below!
