As part of BBC America’s celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary British sci-fi series Doctor Who this year, the network has announced that it will co-produce and premiere a drama called An Adventure in Space and Time, to debut later in 2013. It will tell the story of the genesis of Doctor Who — which first aired Nov. 23, 1963 — and the many personalities involved with its creation and production.
Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Doctor Who) is writing the drama, and co-executive producing along with Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Sherlock) and Caroline Skinner (Doctor Who). David Bradley is set to play the first-ever Doctor, William Hartnell. The BBC’s Head of Drama Sydney Newman, credited with the creation of the show, will be played by Brian Cox (The Bourne Supremacy), and the show’s producer, Verity Lambert, will be played by Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife). The director of Doctor Who‘s first episode, “An Unearthly Child,” Waris Hussein, will be portrayed by Sacha Dhawan (History Boys).
According to Mark Gatiss, “I’m utterly delighted that everyone’s favorite Time Lord will be in such brilliant and stellar company. We have a terrific team who can’t wait to tell the fascinating and surprising story of how the Doctor began his journey through Space and Time.”
On playing William Hartnell, David Bradley said, “I’m absolutely thrilled. I first heard about this role from Mark while watching the Diamond Jubilee flotilla from the roof of the National Theatre. When he asked if I would be interested, I almost bit his hand off. Mark has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television history. William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time, and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice. I’m so looking forward to getting started.”
Filming on An Adventure in Space and Time starts at the beginning of February.
Doctor Who returns to BBC America with new episodes Saturdays at 8pm ET beginning March 30.
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Courtesy of BBC America