- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
SAN DIEGO — If you were hoping Comic-Con might offer a look at Doctor Who‘s upcoming 50th anniversary special, you are going to have to wait a little longer. Showrunner Steven Moffat was adamant that the sneak peak would not be leaving Hall H — and if it does, he’s not going to be very pleased.
Before screening the teaser trailer, he gently scolded the crowd for the Sherlock leak that happened earlier. Needless to say, when the first footage does find its way online, fans will likely greet it with the rapturous approval — namely because it includes a lot of back-and-forth between Doctors 10 and 11, David Tennant and Matt Smith.
PHOTOS: ‘Doctor Who’: 14 Actors and Actresses Who Could Be the 12th Doctor
The former Doctor and the exiting one spend the trailer showing off their signature ensembles, catchphrases and slightly different sonic screwdrivers. There’s also quite a bit of Billie Piper as Rose Tyler.
Several audience questions about the episode dealt with missing guest stars from the show’s sprawling history. When asked about John Barrowman, Moffat seemed to count him out but also teased that many appearances have not been reported.
“I have lied my ass off for months,” said Moffat. “You know nothing, so don’t make presumptions.”
There were few other revelations outside of the trailer. Production has yet to begin on the 2013 Christmas special, the episode that will see Smith exit and a yet-to-be-named actor take over the wheel at the Tardis. Smith kept talk of his departure to minimum, though he did make several expressions of gratitude for the part — especially when Moffat dubbed him the best actor to tackle the role to date.
Sharing the panel was the team behind An Adventure in Space and Time. The dramatic retelling of Doctor Who‘s beginnings in 1963 stars David Bradley as original Doctor William Hartnell. The actor’s failing health and notoriously sour temperament prompted his departure from the series after just a few years — and kicked off the franchise’s precedent for easily recasting its lead character.
Bradley, who was in attendance, addressed the elephant in the room right out of the gate when moderator Craig Ferguson brought up his recent turn as Red Wedding instigator Walder Frey on Game of Thrones.
“For some reason the wedding invitations have dried up,” he said.
Doctor Who‘s 50th anniversary festivities get a stateside premiere Nov. 23 on BBC America.
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day