Disney Ends ‘Doctor Who’ Partnership Amid ‘Woke’ Backlash Fears

BREAKING NEWS: The BBC has officially confirmed the termination of its co-production partnership with Disney on the iconic franchise Doctor Who, citing concerns over a potential “woke” backlash. This shocking announcement comes amid reports of declining viewership and internal dissatisfaction at Disney regarding the series’ performance.

According to a Deadline report, multiple sources revealed that executives at Disney were increasingly worried about the series’ direction under writer Russell T. Davies. An insider stated, “It was pretty apparent from early on that this wasn’t for the long term,” pointing to a lack of sustained interest from audiences on Disney+. The series reportedly struggled to gain traction, leading to its cancellation.

The decline in viewership has been alarming, with reports indicating a drop of over 1 million viewers following the introduction of Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor. Gatwa, who represents the franchise’s second major attempt to diversify its lead character after Jodie Whittaker‘s historic tenure as the first female Doctor, has faced challenges in expanding the show’s established fan base.

The series has been noted for its progressive elements, including the casting of transgender actress Yasmin Finney and the inclusion of a historic gay kiss. These aspects have reportedly drawn mixed reactions from viewers, with one industry source stating that “Doctor Who” became “too woke for Trump’s USA,” a sentiment that influenced Disney’s decision-making process regarding the show’s renewal.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Davies defended the show’s progressive approach, emphasizing the need for representation in modern storytelling. However, the backlash from segments of the audience has raised concerns among Disney executives about the viability of the franchise in the current cultural climate.

Adding to the turmoil, insiders disclosed that Disney had spent a staggering $11.6 million per episode on the series, leading some within the company to express regret over the financial investment. A BBC executive also commented that it never felt like Disney was fully committed to promoting the show, which further complicated the partnership.

As the news unfolds, fans are left wondering what the future holds for the beloved series. With no immediate plans announced for a replacement or continuation of the franchise, the cancellation marks a significant turning point for both the BBC and Disney in their collaboration on Doctor Who.

What to Watch For: As discussions continue around the implications of this cancellation, industry experts are closely monitoring how it will affect the future of Doctor Who and the broader landscape of television production. The cancellation raises questions about how networks will navigate the challenges of audience expectations and cultural sensitivities in future projects.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as fans and industry insiders alike react to the end of this significant collaboration.