Advertisement

The War Doctor recast for new 'Doctor Who' audio drama

Matt Smith, John Hurt, and David Tennant in 2013's Day of the Doctor. (BBC)
Matt Smith, John Hurt, and David Tennant in 2013's Day of the Doctor. (BBC)

A new Doctor Who audio drama following the story of the War Doctor will be released next year.

The character was originally played in Day of the Doctor by Sir John Hurt, who died in 2017 at the age of 77.

He played the War Doctor in the 50th anniversary episode of the sci-fi show.

Jonathon Carley will take on the role in the new series, which is being made by the Big Finish production company.

Read more: First look at Doctor Who festive special

Carley said: “I honestly can’t tell you how much of a privilege and an honour it is to not only be working with the incredibly talented team a Big Finish but also to be playing the War Doctor.

“It is more than I could ever have expected.

“Stepping into the sturdy boots of a character established by the late, great Sir John Hurt would be a challenge for any actor.

“But the team have been so supportive and creative in their approach to exploring further facets of this complex incarnation.

“This is a cracking set of stories so it will be wonderful to put a spotlight on the rarely glimpsed early life of the War Doctor and the trials he faces, finding his new place in the Time War.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 18:  Sophie, Countess of Wessex (R) meets past and present Doctor Who actors (L-R) Matt Smith, Tom Baker, Peter Davison and John Hurt during a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the hit TV series at Buckingham Palace as british actor Peter Davison, the fifth incarnation of the Doctor role looks on, onNovember 18, 2013 in London, England. Sophie, Countess of Wessex hosted a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the TV series in which there have been 11 Doctors to date. It now holds the Guinness World Record for the longest running science fiction series in the world.  (Photo by Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Sophie, Countess of Wessex (R) meets past and present Doctor Who actors (L-R) Matt Smith, Tom Baker, Peter Davison and John Hurt during a reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the hit TV series. (Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

“I hope listeners are as eager to embrace that journey as I am.”

The series will be released in June 2021.

Watch: Jodie Whittaker discusses Doctor Who’s place in pop culture