Doctor Who: Gatwa's Exit Led to Reshoots? Fan Theories
Did Doctor Who undergo significant changes to its season finale due to Ncuti Gatwa's decision to leave after only two seasons? Fan theories suggest that extensive reshoots were necessary to accommodate his departure, leading to alterations in the storyline and a surprising regeneration sequence.
The season finale of Doctor Who saw Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor regenerate into a new incarnation, played by Billie Piper, in a climax that has sparked considerable debate among viewers. Many believe that this ending deviates from the original plan for the series, suggesting that Gatwa's decision to leave after just 18 episodes prompted a major creative shift.
Rewinding to the previous year, Gatwa seemed enthusiastic about continuing in the role. Filming for the season finale was reportedly completed around May 2024, with enough episodes in the can to sustain the series for another year. In an April 2024 interview, Gatwa expressed his desire to face a Dalek, stating he would be "so angry" if he didn't, emphasizing the importance of such an encounter for his character.
The Mystery of the Missing Scene
Later in the year, Gatwa's appearance on a talk show raised eyebrows when a comment about his potential third season was removed from the broadcast version. Reports indicate that Gatwa mentioned filming season three in 2025, a statement that was ultimately cut from the televised show. What could this mean for the future of the show?
Doctor Who showrunner has stated that the decision regarding further episodes with Disney as a co-production partner was always scheduled to be made after the second season. However, this situation has resulted in a production hiatus, with no new episodes expected until around 2027. This delay has fueled speculation about the true reasons behind the changes.
Fast forward to February 2025, and fans tracking location filming noticed that production had resumed, but not on new episodes. Instead, additional scenes were shot for the season finale, specifically those set at the home of companion Belinda Chandra. This late-stage reshoot, nearly a year after the original production wrapped, suggests a significant alteration to the ending.
Behind-the-scenes footage revealed that Gatwa's final day of shooting took place back on the UNIT set, with numerous returning cast members present. Moreover, Jodie Whittaker's appearance in Gatwa's regeneration sequence appears to be another addition made late in the production process. These details further support the theory of substantial reshoots.
Evidence of an Alternate Ending for Doctor Who
The final third of the Doctor Who finale was likely impacted by reshoots, affecting everything from Gatwa's Doctor leaving UNIT to his ultimate regeneration. It's only at this point that viewers sense his intention to regenerate, leading to scenes that establish the end of his time as Fifteen. So, what was the original plan?
Word of Gatwa's departure surfaced through an online account that accurately revealed major plot points from the season. This source claimed the original ending involved a celebratory party, with Susan (a dangling plot thread) observing, setting up the next season. This alternate ending paints a very different picture. What could have been?
Additional evidence includes a promotional photo released showing the Doctor and Belinda dancing at a party, a scene absent from the final version. Fans believe this photo depicts the party scene mentioned by the leaker, hinting at the episode's original conclusion. The absence of Belinda's father, despite the actor's prior announcement of his appearance, further suggests plot changes.
Despite an uneven run, Doctor Who remains a significant brand. A report suggests a third season is likely, though production timing remains uncertain. This uncertainty may have influenced Gatwa's decision to leave and pursue other projects. His career trajectory, from "Sex Education" to "Barbie," suggests limited time in the TARDIS was always a possibility.
While many believe a third season would have solidified Gatwa's tenure, his departure has sparked considerable speculation about the reasons behind the reshoots and the changes to the season finale. The future of Doctor Who remains uncertain, but the fan theories surrounding Gatwa's exit continue to fuel discussion and debate.