‘He Makes The Whole Universe Of Doctor Who Wilder And Madder’ Russell T Davies On The Return Of This Doctor Who Star

Doctor Who Season 15 is only a month away. Series showrunner Russell T Davies shared an interesting update about the casting of the upcoming season.

Ncuti Gatwa’s second Doctor Who season is coming sooner than expected. Several actors have joined the series and fans are excited to see them. However, a familiar face is making a comeback to the franchise and Davies is very excited about his return. Fans, however, might not easily spot him because he is portraying a new character.

Davies has been teasing about the various characters joining Doctor Who Season 15. One of the new additions is not new to the franchise. However, they will be portraying a new character. Davies is bringing back Alan Cumming into the Whoniverse. He first appeared in Doctor Who Season 11, Episode 8, “The Witchfinders.” He portrayed King James, but this time, he is returning as Mr. Ring-a-ding, which, according to the promo, is a “happy, funny, singalong cartoon.” He was happy and content with his pal Sunshine Sally until he “looks beyond the screen and sees the real world outside.” So, there’s a major twist in his character and he is likely to start a huge trouble in the TARDIS. Davies was delighted to have Cumming play the character. He said, per Polygon:

Only Alan Cumming could give a runaway cartoon so much wit, malice, danger and fun. He makes the whole universe of Doctor Who wilder and madder than ever, and it’s an absolute honour to welcome him on board the TARDIS.

Just recently, Davies also announced the casting of Slow Horses star Christopher Chung, who will be playing a new character named Casio. “He brings all of his strength and style and talent to one of the darkest, toughest episodes we’ve ever made,” Davies said. “As for whether Cassio is an ally or an enemy of the Doctor, you’ll have to wait and see, but I can promise, it’s one hell of a meeting!” Chung was ecstatic to be part of the series he described as “legendary.” “I’m absolutely thrilled to step into the Whoniverse as Cassio for season 2!” he said. Davies also revealed that the “scariest” episode is led by guest star Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Cumming’s character in Doctor Who Season 15 is very interesting and intriguing. Since his character is animated, it’s among the rare times Doctor Who blends live-action with animation in its major storyline. Also, the promo teased that he will be among the bad guys in the upcoming seasons and the villains in Doctor Who are usually dark, menacing, and unpredictable. Having a cartoon villain takes it to the next level. It makes the character all the more eerie.

Cumming’s portrayal of King James was well-received. With his acting experience and expertise, there is no doubt he could pull off his new Doctor Who character. Also, if Mr. Ring-a-Ding wins the hearts of the viewers, he could potentially return in future episodes similar to The Master or The Toymaker. Sacha Dhawan, who played the Master, has also expressed interest in joining Gatwa’s Doctor Who season and fans are open to it. The Master and Mr. Ring-a-Ding could join forces to take down the Doctor, and this will surely be an epic episode, to say the least.