Several prominent production companies, including one led by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio, have submitted proposals to the BBC for the future production of Doctor Who. The competitive tender process aims to ‘regenerate’ the iconic science-fiction series, with the deadline for submissions having recently passed.
Major Bids Revealed
According to reports from Deadline and Variety, a diverse range of companies have put forward their visions for the show. Hat Trick Mercurio (HTM), co-founded by Jed Mercurio and Jimmy Mulville, has submitted a bid with Mercurio attached as an executive producer. Mercurio, known for hits like Bodyguard and Trigger Point, is a long-standing sci-fi fan, having created Invasion: Earth in the 1990s.
Another notable contender is World Productions, also responsible for Line of Duty, which is reportedly spearheading efforts for ITV Studios to secure the contract. Additionally, STV Studios, producers of Blue Lights, has made a proposal to move Doctor Who production to Scotland for its 17th season, partnering with Screen Scotland. This aligns with a BBC stipulation that the series must be made outside London, following its long-term base in Wales. Two different BBC Studios labels are also expected to submit bids, with scripted boss Jamie Hall expressing a desire for the BBC group to ‘reap the rewards’ of the series and ‘get back to what the core offering was’ during the Matt Smith and David Tennant eras, Deadline reported.
BBC’s Vision and Timeline
The BBC’s tender document outlined requirements for a ‘multi-episodic series’ including specials, aiming for broadcast in 2028-29. The broadcaster seeks a reboot that is ‘contemporary, and creatively ambitious, whilst remaining true to the values and characteristics’ of Doctor Who, as detailed by Variety. Producers are also expected to develop a new ‘distinctive’ companion. A crucial aspect of the contract is that successful bidders will effectively be working for hire, with the BBC retaining almost all rights to the series. The BBC was not prescriptive about budgets but invited producers to propose ‘third-party investment,’ a point that has reportedly ‘raised eyebrows’ among some in the industry, according to Deadline. Interviews with shortlisted producers are scheduled for January, with the BBC aiming to award the contract in March 2027.
Companies Opting Out
Despite the high profile of the series, several top production companies have reportedly declined to bid. These include A24 UK, Playground, Mammoth Screen, New Pictures, Big Talk Studios, Expectation, and Quay Street. Reasons cited for their decision include concerns over the lack of rights for the production company and the potential for the contract to divert creative energy from other projects. One producer reportedly told Deadline, ‘Anyone with a pulse knows it will go to BBC Studios,’ suggesting an expectation of an in-house win.
