David Farnor | On 04, Jun 2025

After the season finale of Doctor Who at the weekend, speculation is rife about what the future holds in store for the series – and whether it will involve Disney’s financial backing or not. Before that becomes clear, though, and perhaps before Disney makes a decision, there’s one more chapter in the Whoniverse still to come: The War Between the Land the Sea Sea, and a new trailer gives us a first look at the spin-off series.

The five-part series stars Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw and follows a fearsome and ancient species emerging from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity and triggering an international crisis. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.

The cast includes Jemma Redgrave, Alexander Devrient, Ruth Madeley, Colin McFarlane, Adrian Lukis, Patrick Baladi, Francesca Corney, Mei Mac, and Vincent Franklin. Additional guest stars who can be spotted in the trailer are Waleed Hammad, Iestyn Arwel, Hannah Donaldson, Manpreet Bachu, and Ann Akinjirin.

Russell T Davies, Showrunner, Writer and Executive Producer says: “The excitement is beginning to build, as the Whoniverse expands. I can’t wait for people to see this magnificent cast in such a powerful, vital, epic story. Look to the seas!”

The series is produced by Bad Wolf with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television, and will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and exclusively on Disney+ outside of the UK. The series is directed by Dylan Holmes Williams.

Here’s the trailer:

 

The War Between the Land and the Sea: Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw to star in Doctor Who spin-off series

27th July 2024

The BBC has officially announce its first Doctor Who spin-off since the Whoniverse was unveiled – and it’s lined up two big names to lead the cast of The War Between the Land and the Sea.

The series, which was announced at San Diego Comic-Con, is created by Doctor Who Showrunner and Executive Producer Russell T Davies, who has written the series with Pete McTighe (A Discovery of Witches, The Pact, Doctor Who).

Leading the five-part series is Russell Tovey (Feud, American Horror Story: NYC) and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Surface, Loki). The series will also see the return of UNIT alumni Jemma Redgrave (Doctor Who, Grantchester) who will reprise her role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart and Alexander Devrient (Doctor Who, Ted Lasso) as Colonel Ibrahim.

When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT step into action as the land and sea wage war.

Russell T Davies says: “I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast. And this is a huge, muscular, thrilling drama which will shake The Whoniverse to its foundations. When the Doctor’s not in town, the whole of humanity is in trouble.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama, BBC adds: “The War Between The Land and The Sea is another utterly unique and gripping drama from Russell T Davies and we’re delighted to welcome the show to The Whoniverse! Featuring a stellar cast, with Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw taking on leading roles, this brand new epic mini series will leave audiences on the edge of their seats as they watch UNIT take on one of their biggest battles to save humanity.”

Filming begins next month and will be directed by Dylan Holmes-Williams, who helmed both 73 Yards and Dot and Bubble.

The series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and exclusively on Disney+ outside of the UK where available.

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