Netflix UK address if they'd take on Doctor Who
Netflix have seemingly ruled out making a bid for Doctor Who after it was put out to tender because it "belongs on the BBC".
Netflix have seemingly ruled out making a bid for Doctor Who because it "belongs on the BBC".
The iconic sci-fi show has been put out to tender by the broadcaster, but Anne Mensah, VP of Content at Netflix UK has suggested the streaming giant won't be making a bid for the "really special" programme because it should not move.
Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival's Spotlight panel on Netflix last week, she said: “I love Doctor Who. Anything that stays brilliant this long will have many, many lives.”
But in a subsequent interview with Radio Times, she added: "I was obsessed with Doctor Who. Okay, so in complete truth, like Russell T [Davies] is like my person most missed in my life. I love Russell's work. So, yeah, the better question would have been, but would I love to work with Russell T Davies? Yes, I would love to work with Russell T Davies because he's a freaking genius.
"I think Doctor Who belongs on the BBC, and I think all of its iterations. I was there when Jane Tranter [former Controller of Drama Commissioning at the BBC and Bad Wolf co-founder] relaunched it.
"It's a really special show, but it belongs on the BBC. We've got Supacell!"
However, competitors Prime Video would be open to "any conversations" about Doctor Who.
Oliver Jones, senior commissioner, UK scripted for Amazon, said during their own panel at the festival: "I love Doctor Who, so we’d welcome any conversations."
The tender process has not yet begun, but Los Angeles-based production company Electric Entertainment have expressed an interest.
Following reportsthe Los Angeles-based production company have been "in talks" about the future of the programme, CEO Dean Devlin - who is also a producer, writer and director known for work on the likes of Stargate, Godzilla. and Independence Day - insisted there haven't been any discussions yet, but he is hoping to sit down to discuss the possibility of taking on the sci-fi series.
Dean told Radio Times in a statement: "It is untrue that we have had negotiations with the BBC. Preliminary or otherwise. When the proper time comes when they are prepared to speak with people, we certainly hope to have a discussion with them."
It had been reported Electric Entertainment had been keen to bring back David Tennant as the Doctor, following his stints as the 10th and 14th incarnations of the Time Lord.
The Scottish actor had previously worked with the production company on the movie Bad Samaritan.
The BBC announced earlier this year that Doctor Who is being put out to competitive tender, and the planned Christmas special has been cancelled.
The broadcaster said in a statement: "As part of securing the next phase of the show for future generations, and in line with the BBC’s Charter and Agreement requirements, the BBC will put Doctor Who out to competitive tender this year.
"Doctor Who remains an important part of the BBC and this tender underpins the BBC’s continued commitment to Doctor Who ensuring audiences will enjoy the show for years to come.
"After careful consideration, the BBC, Russell T Davies and Bad Wolf have collectively decided not to go ahead with the previously announced Doctor Who Christmas episode.
"This decision was not taken lightly, and we know it will be disappointing for fans, but in order to set the show up for future series, it was decided that rather than bridge the gap with a one off special, we are choosing to push forward to invest in the long-term future of the show which ensures that when the TARDIS lands once more, it does so in all its glory."
