Doctor Who season 13 wasn't able to begin filming immediately due to the COVID-19 outbreak earlier this year. There have been a lot of questions since then, particularly when the series could return. Now, the good news is that the cast and crew are back to work as production officially kicked off just recently.
BBC confirmed that Doctor Who season 13 has started filming following a hiatus due to the current global health crisis. The official release date is yet to be revealed, but fans have been hoping that the new batch of episodes will arrive at some point in 2021.
However, the latest installment is different compared to the previous ones. Considering the real-life health crisis, the series will be shorter this time around. Only eight episodes are being produced since filming amidst the pandemic would be challenging due to certain health guidelines and rules.
In a statement, showrunner Chris Chibnall discussed some of the filming changes in Doctor Who season 13. He said that the production team has worked hard to get the series back in production. But, because of its complex nature and new working protocols, it would take them longer to film each episode.
Rather than having the usual 11 episode count, Chibnall revealed they ended up with eight episodes instead. Still, the showrunner assured fans that the horror and humor in the story are still there. While this is a difficult period for everyone, he made it clear that the series "never shirks from a challenge."
Meanwhile, executive producer Matt Strevens said they're thrilled to be able to begin filming for Doctor Who season 13. He promised fans that the upcoming installment is going to be "fun-filled and action-packed as ever" and it comes with plenty of surprises.
As for what fans can anticipate in the next chapter, the series is expected to address the Timeless Child retcon seen in season 12. It was revealed that The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) wasn't a Time Lord at all but someone who predates the universe and became the base genetic code for the entire Time Lord race.
In addition, the new season will explore Yaz's (Mandip Gill) backstory. During the New York Comic-Con, Gill revealed that the series dives into her past, as well as her mental health. The actress teased that whatever happened to Yaz before will continue to play out in the next installment.
Meanwhile, Doctor Who season 13 official premiere date wasn't yet announced But, fans can expect a Holiday Special episode coming before 2020 ends.
