Doctor Who gained widespread recognition, majorly for its unique storytelling, bringing a fresh perspective on regeneration, and influencing a generation of viewers since the 1960s. The show features an intriguing concept of the Doctor’s regeneration, which allows the character to transform into a new form with a different personality.
As Ncuti Gatwa becomes the leading face in the latest season of Doctor Who, showrunner Russell T. Davies reflected on turning down one offer from ABBA that could have contributed to making the franchise more iconic.
Russell T. Davies Reflects on Possible Musical Pitch for Doctor Who Universe
In an interview with GamesRadar, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies discussed being approached to expand the sci-fi show into the realm of musicals.
He admitted that he rejected to meet with Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus from legendary pop group ABBA, which could have potentially discussed making a musical version of Doctor Who spin-off TV show, Torchwood.
If he could travel back in time, he would have surely rectified his mistake. Telling the outlet, he stated,
“I would love to do a full-on West End musical, let’s do that, come on! Many years ago actually, Benny and Bjorn from ABBA came along and said they wanted to do a Torchwood musical.”
He acknowledged his mistake as he added,
“And I must have been the biggest idiot in the world, I was just too busy at the time, and I just turned that idea down. I turned the meeting down, that never happened. How stupid was I? ABBA wanted to do a Torchwood musical!”
He continued,
“Honestly, if I could have a TARDIS and travel back in time I would go clout myself on the head over that decision. What was I thinking?!”
It remains a decision that he constantly regrets however, he has implemented somewhat of it in the latest season of the sci-fi series. The new show does feature a musical touch featuring a song and dance.
Doctor Who Showrunner Got Candid About Adding Musical Touch to the Show
A while ago, rumors swirled around that Episode 2 titled, The Devil’s Chord would feature a musical episode in which Ncuti Gatwa‘s The Doctor and Millie Gibson’s Ruby Sunday travel back in time to the 1960s. The duo goes back in time to witness The Beatles record their first album at the legendary Abbey Road.
While the episode did feature a musical touch, he reflected that he has no plans to make it a full-musical installment.
“I think it fits Doctor Who. I mean, Doctor Who has so much joy and I think actually my writing has always been heading towards bursting into song. No one who knows me isn’t going to be surprised that this has finally happened in something that I’ve written– I’ve tried it before but never quite got it.”
He also added that the famed producer has tried writing a musical for other shows, not just Doctor Who. He shared,
“It’s not easy writing a musical, people don’t just burst into song, you have to earn it, you have to place it, you have to time it, you have to feel it.”
With what they’re experimenting on the show, he thinks that they are beginning to “crack it now” before adding, “We’re not planning a full-on musical episode but one day, definitely!”
Doctor Who Season 14 drops episodes on May 10 in the US (Disney+) and May 11 in the UK (BBC One).
