Jed Mercurio, the acclaimed creator of the hit series "Line of Duty," has officially expressed his interest in rebooting the iconic British science fiction show "Doctor Who." This move comes as the BBC has opened a competitive tender process for producers to pitch their vision for the beloved series, which has been a staple of British television for over six decades.
Mercurio, known for his work on other successful dramas such as "Bodyguard" and "Trigger Point," submitted his proposal through Hat Trick Mercurio, the production company he co-founded with Jimmy Mulville. His bid is part of a broader call from the BBC, which is seeking innovative ideas to reinvigorate the franchise and attract a new generation of viewers.
The BBC's invitation to tender was launched last month, with a submission deadline set for October 2. Following this, the broadcaster plans to shortlist four to five producers by October 9, who will then be asked to provide a detailed editorial outline for their proposed reboot. The BBC aims to select a producing partner by March 2027, with the goal of launching a new multi-episode series, including specials, by 2028 or 2029.
In its tender document, the BBC emphasized the need for the reboot to be "contemporary and creatively ambitious," while still honoring the core values and characteristics that have made "Doctor Who" a cherished series across generations. Producers will also be tasked with developing a distinctive new companion for the Doctor, a role that has historically been pivotal to the show's narrative.
Despite the creative freedom offered, producers will not retain ownership of the series, as the rights largely belong to the BBC. Notably, the rights to the show's iconic Daleks are shared with creator Terry Nation, due to a contractual oversight dating back to 1963.
Mercurio's passion for science fiction is well-documented. He has previously collaborated on a comic book titled "Sleeper," set in the 24th century, which features a biologically enhanced space marshal. His extensive experience with the BBC includes the record-breaking finale of "Line of Duty," which garnered over 15 million viewers in 2021, making it one of the most-watched dramas in recent UK history.
The BBC has not commented on Mercurio's bid, and representatives from Hat Trick Mercurio have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the proposal. As the competition heats up, fans of "Doctor Who" and the wider television community will be watching closely to see how this new chapter in the franchise unfolds.
With a rich history and a dedicated fan base, the reboot of "Doctor Who" presents both a challenge and an opportunity for its new producers. As the BBC seeks to blend tradition with innovation, the future of the Time Lord remains uncertain yet promising.
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