Showrunner Steven Moffat promises excitement and then some as he and stars Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie and Matt Lucas talk series 10.<\/b>
Pearl Mackie and Peter Capaldi prepare for the new series.
Season 10 of \u00ab\u00a0Doctor Who\u00a0\u00bb will see the return of monsters and villains old and new — including a huge revelation that showrunner Steven Moffat says \u00ab\u00a0may actually melt your brains\u00a0\u00bb.
At a press screening, the cast and crew of the BBC sci-fi sensation shared their thoughts on the new season, which premieres on the Easter weekend. The first episode is titled \u00ab\u00a0The Pilot\u00a0\u00bb, a jokey reference to Moffat’s decision to write a story accessible to viewers old and new.
Moffat was joined at the screening by the cast, including lead actor Peter Capaldi. Both Moffat and Capaldi will bow out at the end of this series.
Newcomer Pearl Mackie also had plenty to say about her role as new companion Bill. Although she admitted it was \u00ab\u00a0pretty scary\u00a0\u00bb to take over from former companion Jenna Coleman, she also said, \u00ab\u00a0I feel like the luckiest girl in the world! \u00a0\u00bb
According to the creators, Mackie was the first person seen in the audition process. Moffat was impressed by her composure in their meeting — to which Mackie replied, \u00ab\u00a0I was acting! \u00a0\u00bb
\u00ab\u00a0The Pilot\u00a0\u00bb sees Pearl in a star-crossed relationship with a girl she meets on campus. Mackie made headlines last week when she mentioned Bill’s sexuality in an interview, but the creators downplayed the news. \u00ab\u00a0It’s not rare,\u00a0\u00bb said Moffat, pointing out Captain Jack, Madame Vastra and other gay and bisexual characters who’ve previously appeared in the show. \u00ab\u00a0This is absolutely normal for us,\u00a0\u00bb he added. \u00ab\u00a0We’re not expecting any kind of pat on the back. \u00a0\u00bb
Moffat decried the fuss made by the media. \u00ab\u00a0You don’t want young kids who happen to love the same gender to feel like they’re some kind of special case… Journalists shouldn’t set out to frighten children,\u00a0\u00bb he said. \u00ab\u00a0That’s my job! \u00a0\u00bb
Matt Lucas also returns as the character Nardole, who originally appeared as a one-off comic relief in a Christmas episode. Lucas hinted there is a \u00ab\u00a0a very definite reason why Nardole is there\u00a0\u00bb.
Capaldi and Moffat will leave after this year’s Christmas special following the end of the forthcoming season. After that, \u00ab\u00a0Broadchurch\u00a0\u00bb creator Chris Chibnall (and a new lead actor) will take over. Speculation is already rife about a replacement for Capaldi, with the names of Richard Ayoade, Tilda Swinton and Phoebe Waller-Bridge all being bandied about. \u00ab\u00a0I’m sure whoever that person is will be wonderful,\u00a0\u00bb said Capaldi, refusing to be drawn on the question of who would take over from him. \u00ab\u00a0Whether it’s a man or woman is irrespective. \u00a0\u00bb
\u00ab\u00a0Doctor Who\u00a0\u00bb returns on 15 April on BBC1 in the UK and BBC America in the US.<\/p>\n