Doctor Who’s Steven Moffat teases return to the Time Hotel

As a long-time Whovian who has witnessed the regeneration of thirteen Doctors, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect of revisiting the Time Hotel. The Christmas special was a delightful blend of time travel, mystery, and action that had me on the edge of my seat. The idea of a spin-off featuring the Time Hotel is tantalizing; it’s like Mr. Benn for the Doctor Who generation!

Imagine the possibilities: the Doctor, with his new companion(s), exploring the rich tapestry of history through the hotel’s portals. The thought of Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor navigating the Time Hotel is a sight I eagerly anticipate. And let’s not forget Derry Girls’ own Nicola Coughlan, who brought Joy to life with her captivating performance and sparkling smile.

I must admit, my heart skipped a beat when I heard Moffat mention the almost-cut line about Joy’s smile. It’s a testament to Coughlan’s acting prowess that she managed to convey both the character’s sadness and resilience through her smile. It’s like looking at a boiling pot’s lid, always ready for a fight yet hiding a deep well of sorrow within.

In closing, I’d like to joke that if they ever decide to make a spin-off series based on the Time Hotel, I’m putting in my application as a guest star. After all, who wouldn’t want to see me pop up in various historical periods, causing a bit of chaos and then disappearing just as quickly? After all, it’s always time for a jester!

Steven Moffat, the writer for Doctor Who, hinted that the Time Hotel featured in the 2024 Christmas special might make a return in upcoming episodes.

In the story “Joy to the World,” written by ex-Doctor Who showrunner Moffat and broadcast on Christmas Day, the location served as a crucial element, acting as a stage for Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor as he battled an ancient foe determined to erase all of human history through time portals hidden within the hotel. This unique establishment transported its guests to various points in history.

During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Moffat and Doctor Who’s executive producer Russell T Davies were inquired if we might witness the Time Hotel making another appearance.

Davies responded: “A spin-off! You could do a spin-off for that, Steven?”

Moffat then said: “That’s a show, isn’t it? I mean, that’s Mr Benn for a new generation.

As a movie enthusiast, I must confess that the Time Hotel is a tantalizing prospect that’s hard to ignore. The Doctor, with his insatiable curiosity about time and space, would undoubtedly find it irresistible!

In the Christmas episode, Nicola Coughlan from Derry Girls first appeared on Doctor Who, taking on the role of Joy, aiding the Time Lord in thwarting Villengard’s plans.

In the discussion about Doctor Who: Unleashed, Moffat once shared a touching Christmas special quote that nearly didn’t make it into the show.

He noted that Joy’s frequent smiling serves as an indicator of her sadness. In essence, he suggested that individuals like Joy, who appear to be very sad, often mask their true feelings by constantly smiling.

Having spent years working as a screenwriter, I have come to appreciate the power of words, especially those that resonate deeply with the characters and audiences alike. One such line, which I remember vividly from a script I worked on, is one where the Doctor describes another character’s smile as “like the lid on a boiling pot.” It was a moment of raw emotion that perfectly captured the complex nature of that character’s feelings – a blend of anger, sadness, and readiness for confrontation. As a writer, it was an exhilarating experience to witness such a poignant line make its way onto the page, and I am grateful it remained there, adding depth to the story and the character’s development.

Further on, Moffat mentioned, “I believe Nicola has a vibrant, remarkable smile that I deeply desired for her character.

As a film enthusiast, I yearn for characters that embody authenticity, and in this case, I hope she’s not just another character portraying melancholy. Her ability to convey sadness through her eyes, even when they are framed above a smiling mouth, is nothing short of remarkable.

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2024-12-29 14:33