The War Doctor is back for more stories in a new Big Finish range, in association with BBC Studios, titled Doctor Who: The War Doctor Begins. The first of four volumes is scheduled to be released in June 2021, with the other volumes to be published in December 2021, May 2022, and December 2022.
IT BEGINS! John Hurt's legacy continues with a new origin series for the War Doctor coming in June 2021. Pre-order #DoctorWho: The War Doctor Begins here: https://t.co/zEFjlPGaQB pic.twitter.com/s2h5EQThia
— Big Finish (@bigfinish) October 14, 2020
On taking on the iconic role actor Jonathon Carley said on the Big Finish website:
“I honestly can’t tell you how much of a privilege and an honor it is to not only be working with the incredibly talented team at Big Finish but also to be playing the War Doctor. It is more than I could ever have expected. Stepping into the sturdy boots of a character established by the late, great Sir John Hurt would be a challenge for any actor. But the team have been so supportive and creative in their approach to exploring further facets of this complex incarnation. This is a cracking set of stories, so it will be wonderful to put a spotlight on the rarely glimpsed early life of the War Doctor and the trials he faces, finding his new place in the Time War. I hope listeners are as eager to embrace that journey as I am.”
Big Finish creative director Nicholas Briggs added:
“Jonathon is a real find. Many will be familiar with the uncanny accuracy of his War Doctor vocals from various online projects. But there’s more to a good performance than just an impersonation. You need imagination, emotion, sensitivity… essentially, great acting! I worked really closely with John Hurt on our original The War Doctor releases, and although we only worked together for a short time, such was his commitment, charm, and openness that he allowed me to feel something of a connection with him. And I can confidently say that what Jonathon is doing here will be a fitting tribute to John, in honor of his great work in the role.”
Each volume of the Doctor Who: The War Doctor Begins series can be pre-ordered on the Big Finish website as a box set or a download. Listeners can order a bundle of all four volumes to save money. Stay tuned for more information on Doctor Who: The War Doctor Begins.
