Iconic BBC show set for Disney makeover with British comedy genius at the helm
BEEB bosses are set to sign Phoebe Waller-Bridge to help reboot Doctor Who in the same way she reinvented James Bond.
She was drafted in by the team behind Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 to help give the superspy a modern edge.
Now Phoebe, 37, who famously fell for Andrew Scott’s hot priest in her saucy BBC comedy Fleabag, could deliver a dishier doctor when Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, 30, becomes the new time lord.
A TV insider said: “This is all part of a huge effort to deliver a huge reboot of Doctor Who and turn it into a global superbrand on a par with Star Wars and Marvel.
“That’s why Disney+ recently signed a deal with the Beeb which would allow the show to spend a whopping £10million an episode and give it first class visual effects.
“But as part of that reinvention they also want writing which will match the investment they’re making in the show - and Phoebe is now considered one of the best in the business.
Read More on Phoebe Waller-Bridge
“It’s a question of whether they can come up with a strong enough deal to entice her to Doctor Who given she’ll be constantly swamped with offers from around the world.”
Phoebe was said to have been in the frame to play the time lord around the time that Jodie Whitaker, 40, ended up being cast as the thirteenth doctor in 2018, but officially left the role in October.
She was said to have been thrilled at the very idea and though she didn’t get the gig, she was consoled by becoming one of the most sought after creatives in TV and films.
A huge drive has been launched by the BBC to reinvigorate the franchise after years of disappointing viewing figures.
Most read in News TV
As well as bringing back Russell T Davies, 59, as showrunner, they’ve also brought back one of the most popular doctors, David Tennant, 51, who’ll star in a series of specials next year before regenerating into Ncuti.
The BBC declined to comment.
