Doctor Who season 13 is slated to begin its production later this year, but there's no guarantee that will happen this time. The series has been impacted by the global health crisis, and because of that, there are potential changes with the filming and its arrival.
The series can't be filmed easily since it comes with a huge number of extras, intensive crews, as well as long hours to boot. There are specific guidelines that should be followed, so it's not yet clear whether Doctor Who season 13 could start filming anytime soon.
In a report via Radio Times, Director of BBC Wales Rhodri Talfan Davies discussed this matter during the online Q&A session. He talked about what the future holds for the series' production. He noted that everything comes down to social distancing.
Davies noted that the series employs hundreds of people, freelance, and staff. There are a lot of people involved here, so a socially distance environment is hard to make with a production like that. While producers can find a way to figure this out, it takes changes and accommodations.
Everything still depends on when social distancing is going to end. In addition, Davies said production issues vary between England and Wales, given that there are different social distancing guidelines enacted by the Welsh Assembly Government.
He explained social distancing rules in Wales are different from those in England. Since production centers from these two countries, cast and crew should respond to the specific rules and regulations that each of the governments introduces.
Perhaps, Doctor Who season 13 could tell stories in smaller scales and include fewer people on set. There's something good that comes with that, as they could focus on what really matters the most. Right now, the series has already one upcoming episode.
The "Revolution of the Daleks" is the late 2020 or early 2021 Holiday episode. Previously, showrunner Chris Chibnall offered some updates about the episode, noting that production on the festive special is being done remotely. Reportedly, the team is completing the visual effects of the episode.
This is an exciting episode of Doctor Who season 13 since we're going to see the return of the Daleks -- a terrifying monster group. Their arrival brings nostalgia in the series, and they've been used sparingly within the Chibnall era as well.
As for the official Doctor Who season 13, Chibnall said producers and writers are in touch via text and voice messages. They are fleshing out new subplots and character arcs. They're doing their best to work in this situation, but Chibnall hopes they could come back and collaborate in person.
