After several supposed final contributions forDoctorWho, former showrunner Steven Moffat clarifies his future with the series following his return to pen the 2024 Christmas special. After contributing to the extended universe and a cult-favorite Comic Relief parody,he began writing for the revived television series in 2005, before taking on showrunner duties from 2010 to 2017. After seven years away from the series, Moffat returned under showrunner Russell T Davies in 2024 withDoctorWhoseason 14’s “Boom”.
When speaking toRadioTimes.com, Moffat clarified whether he could ever return toDoctorWhoafter penning “Joy to the World.” He cast doubt on an immediate return, stating that he was unsure whether he would return after his extensive career. Furthermore, the writer stated thathis return would likely depend on his scheduleand whether he is asked:
Have I got any more ideas? Well, I mean, there’s an awful lot of scripts I’ve written, so I don’t honestly know if I’ve got any more ideas, and I don’t know if they’ll want me, and I don’t know what my schedule will be.
Despite his doubts, however, he stated that he was not against it, promising thathe wouldn’t play coy and try to misdirect viewersas he had done in the past. Check out Moffat’s response below:
So I don’t know. I’m not against it, but I’m not especially saying it’s gonna happen. I’m not even lying anymore!
What Moffat’s Response Means For Doctor Who
The Writer Has A Clear Idea About What His Final Story Will Entail
Though Moffat isn’t ruling out aDoctorWhoreturn, many had assumed that"Joy to the World" would mark the end of hisDoctorWhotelevision career. Within the story, the writer incorporated an element that would serve as a bookend to his tenure. In his debut television story “The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances,” he introduced Villengard, an intergalactic arms manufacturer with a hand in many atrocities across history that the War Doctor (John Hurt) would destroy.
Doctor Who’s Villengard Explained: Who Is The Doctor’s “Old Enemy?”
Villengard has an interesting place among the gallery of Doctor Who villains, as the nefarious organization has dipped in and out of the story.
The organization would later return in Moffat’s final story as showrunner, “Twice Upon A Time,“intending to serve as a bookend element.The organization would play a role in “Boom,” leading to the belief that the story would be his final episode. However, the assumption changed again when it reappears in “Joy to the World”, implying the 2024 seasonal adventure is his final adventure.
Our Thoughts On Moffat’s Doctor Who Future
The Writer Has Penned Many Fan-favorite Adventures
With Moffat’s past claims that he was ready to leaveDoctorWho, it is understandable why longtime viewers may have been questioning his future with the series. As a beloved contributor to the series, many would not be opposed to Moffat contributing one more time-traveling tale.
Though he is uncertain about whether he may return, his response makes it clear that he is open to the possibility. WithDoctorWhoseason 15’s writer list confirming he won’t be contributing to new episodes in 2025, perhaps a break allows the former showrunner the opportunity to craft another emotional adventure.
