Peter Capaldi might not have too much longer before retiring as the titular Doctor Who. It was bound to happen eventually, as with the 11 previous Doctors, but speculations have been made that the actor might turn in his sonic screwdriver so the new showrunner, Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, could induct his own Doctor (starting in Season 11 -- current showrunner Steven Moffat will be leaving the series after Season 10, but more on that below). Teasery quotes from Capaldi himself haven’t helped matters, but now the actor is suggesting there’s a chance he could stay on for the next season.
Speaking with Radio Times, Capaldi said:
I've been asked to stay on, but it's such a long time before I have to make that decision. [Current showrunner] Steven [Moffat]’s been absolutely wonderful, so I love working with him. Chris is fantastic, and I think he's a hugely talented guy. I don’t know where the show’s gonna go then. I don’t know. I have to make up my mind, and I haven’t yet…As Steven will tell you, it’s very difficult to say goodbye.
Capaldi was announced as the 12th Doctor in August of 2013 and teased just before the most recent Christmas special that “this could be my final year.” He further explained that, while he loves the world of the series, he does “want to do other things.” At the very least, he’ll film season 10 with Moffat, who’s been confirmed to retire from the show afterwards. On that front, all Capaldi would say regarding that front is that filming will start “very soon.”
Clearly the seeds have already been strategically planted should Capaldi decide to leave the role behind, and it wouldn’t be shocking. As io9 notes, David Tennant left the show when Moffat’s predecessor Russell T. Davies did, even though the actor was asked to stay on by BBC. So, be prepared for a new regeneration scene.
So Whovians, are you ready for a new Doctor, or are you still enchanted with Capaldi? (Editor's Note: He'll always be Malcolm Tucker to me, and the language in that link is NSFW!)
