‘Doctor Who’ Insider Blames Ncuti Gatwa and ‘Woke’ Storylines for Disney Ending BBC Deal

Disney has ended its deal with the BBC to co-produce Doctor Who on Disney+, just three years after the streaming agreement began. The partnership included Jodie Whittaker’s final episodes and the start of Ncuti Gatwa’s run as the Doctor, but the series struggled with low ratings and criticism over the quality of episodes.

Sources speaking to Deadline said there were two main reasons behind Disney’s decision. One issue was Ncuti Gatwa’s performance and approach to the role.

“There is more to that role than performing,” an insider explained. “You have got to be an ambassador for the brand and embrace being that generation’s Doctor. Matt Smith and David Tennant fully understood the responsibility it carried.” According to the source, Gatwa did not fully embrace the role or promote the show as expected.

The other factor involved what insiders called a “woke backlash” in the United States. The series featured transgender actress Yasmin Finney, a historic gay kiss between Gatwa and Jonathan Groff, and drag queen Jinkx Monsoon as a villain.

One insider said the show was “too woke for Trump’s USA,” which contributed to Disney stepping away. These storylines also sparked criticism from some BBC viewers, further complicating the series’ reception.

While Doctor Who will continue on the BBC, Disney’s exit signals a major setback for the show’s global streaming ambitions. The combination of fan complaints, behind-the-scenes challenges, and cultural backlash made the partnership unsustainable.

This situation shows how streaming partnerships rely not just on content but on star presence and audience appeal. Doctor Who has tried to modernize and embrace diversity, but it seems balancing these changes with fan expectations is still a challenge. Do you think Disney made the right call? Share your thoughts in the comments.