Matt Smith To Star With Natalie Dormer in 'Patient Zero'

Courtesy IMDB

It looks like Matt Smith is digging hanging out with zombies, according to an exclusive from Deadline. The former star of "Doctor Who" and most recently, Screen Gems’ production "Pride And Prejudice And Zombies," will stick with Screen Gems and star opposite Natalie Dormer ("Game of Thrones") in "Patient Zero." The action thriller will be directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, penned by Mike Le produced by and Vincent Newman.

Here's the film's description, thanks to Deadline...

In "Patient Zero," an unprecedented global pandemic of a super strain of rabies has resulted in the evolution of a new species driven by violence. An inexplicably immune human survivor with the ability to communicate with this new species must spearhead a hunt for "Patient Zero" in order to find a cure to save his infected wife and humanity.

In addition to these zombie (or, in this case, infected) flicks, Smith is starring in Paramount and Skydance’s "Terminator: Genisys" as well as the Ryan Gosling-directed, "Lost River."

No release date has been set for "Patient Zero" and "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" is still filming. We'll keep you posted on release dates.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Matt Smith Joins the Cast of 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies'

Smith, courtesy of IMDB

It looks like a former Doctor is joining the cast "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" according to an exclusive over at The Hollywood Reporter. Matt Smith recently ended his run on "Doctor Who" but now he'll be taking on the role of Mr. Collins in the film based on the Seth Grahame-Smith adaptation novel.

The Burr Steers-directed and co-written film begins filming on September 24 and will also star Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston, Bella Heathcote and Douglas Booth. THR sums up the horror-comedy, "The movie is a horror-comedy spin on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The heroine, Liz Bennett (James), is pressured by her family to marry into a wealthy upper-class home but chafes at the stiff social mores of Victorian England. Instead, she feels that she should help defend the countryside against the onslaught of a horrifying zombie plague."

We'll keep you posted on any new details including when it'll hit theaters next year.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Matt Smith Joins the Cast of "Terminator: Genesis"

Smith at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con,
courtesy Wikipedia

Deadline is reporting some pretty exciting news- The Doctor is taking on Skynet! Matt Smith is officially joining the cast of the new "Terminator: Genesis." His role is said to be in close connection with John Connor and will grow more important in the second and third installments of the franchise.

Smith will be joining fellow cast-mates Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, Jai Courtney, and Dayo Okeniyi. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be reprising his role as the Terminator. The rebooted franchise has certainly got some powerhouse sci-fi performers in its ranks! Alan Taylor will be directing "Terminator: Genesis," and is set for a July 1, 2015 release date.

Stay tuned for the latest news on "Terminator: Genesis" and check out Paramounts official statement on Smith's casting!

Two Brand New "Doctor Who" Comics From Titan Comics Coming Soon

Titan Comics is releasing two all new "Doctor Who" comic series and we've got a sneak peek at the covers for both issues!

First up, the Tenth Doctor will be returning in a brand new on-going series, which means a new companion and adventures throughout all of time and space. The first five issue arc will be presented by artist Elena Casagrande and written by Eisner Award winner, Nick Abadzis. The second arc will come from series architect Robbie Morrison.

The Eleventh Doctor will also be getting a new on-going series, taking on that wibbly-wobbly thing we call time and yelling "Geronimo!" in the face of danger. Series architects Rob Williams and Al Ewing, along with artist Simon Fraser, will be taking helm
of the TARDIS for this new series with the Eleventh Doctor.

If both first issue covers look familiar, they are by Alice X. Zhang, who's Doctor Who artwork has been floating around the internet unnamed for quite awhile. Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor and The Eleventh Doctor will hit shelves July 23, 2014. Until then, just keep Ponding and check out the gorgeous first issue covers below. Allons-y!

Matt Smith Sends Personalized Video Message to a Young 'Doctor Who' Fan

In "Matt Smith is one of the sweetest, most amazing men on Earth" news...

The former Doctor took time out of his busy schedule while filming in Austin, to cheer up four-year-old Whovian, Jack Robinson. Sadly, Jack is seriously ill with an inoperable brain tumor. Smith promised a visit when he got back to England including a quiz for young Jack and we hope he is able to send his love in person.

So if you're having a rough day, stop and watch this video, smile and count your blessings. Cheers to Matt and especially to Jack.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Peter Capaldi Arrives on Set For First Full Day of Filming 'Doctor Who'

Courtesy BBC

In a press release just issued from the BBC, we get a glimpse of the twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi, on the set of "Doctor Who" for his first full day of filming series eight. Filming is occurring in Cardiff, Wales until August. A photo provided shows him clad in the costume of the eleventh Doctor and side-by-side with his glowing companion, Clara (Jenna Coleman).

Even though he was introduced at the end of the "The Time of the Doctor," Capaldi said when he arrived,"New job, first day, slightly nervous. Just like the Doctor, I'm emerging from the TARDIS into a whole other world.”

Other statements about the new adventures included one from Lead Writer and Executive Producer, Steven Moffat who added, “First the eyebrows! Then, at Christmas, the face! Coming soon, the whole Doctor. In the Cardiff studios, the Capaldi era begins.”

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One, commented: "A new year, a new face, a new Doctor! 2014 has arrived and it's Peter Capaldi's time so let the adventures begin!"

Ben Stephenson, Controller of Drama Commissioning, said: "Excitement and anticipation fills the air as Peter Capaldi’s Doctor takes control of the TARDIS for the very first time today. It’s going to be one hell of a ride and I can't wait for the journey to start."

Another tidbit from the release was that the first episode of series eight has been written by Steven Moffat with the second episode penned by Phil Ford. These are the first episodes that Peter will shoot and are directed by Ben Wheatley.

Watch the regeneration here...



-Larissa Mrykalo

Matt Smith To Make First Post-Doctor Who Con Appearance At Wizard World New Orleans

The Crescent City might as well be re-christened "Who Orleans" because Doctor Who's Matt Smith is heading stateside for Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con this February.

Announced today, Wizard World unveiled that the Doctor Who actor -- who exited the series in "The Time of the Doctor" Christmas Special which aired Dec. 25 -- would be attending their comic con event Feb. 7-8, held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La.

This is Smith's first post-show appearance on the comic convention circuit, and is also his first con appearance in America outside of San Diego Comic-Con International. According to a Wizard World press release, "Smith will greet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops and conduct an interactive Q&A during the event."

Wizard World's announcement comes just as the actor is riding high on his exit from the long-running British sci-fi series. Smith, who took over the lead role as the Doctor from David Tennant in 2010, has enjoyed an American wave of fan support surrounding the show. He also appeared in the series' 50th Anniversary Special in November. Both the anniversary special and the Christmas Special netted big numbers for BBC America, the latter of which led to the network's largest audience ever.

-Aaron Sagers

'Doctor Who' Christmas Special Gives Gift Of Record Ratings

The 11th Doctor is out but the ratings are in. Though the Christmas Day special "Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor" marked the departure of the 11th Doctor, played by Matt Smith -- as well as the entrance of the 12th Doctor Peter Capaldi -- the episode delivered record numbers for BBC America.

The network announced the special was the "best ever Live+SD telecast, delivering 2.472 million total viewers." The special actually totaled 3.02 million viewers when the 9 p.m. premiere numbers are combined with the 12:05AM and 3:00AM replays. That's up 72 percent from 2012's Christmas Special.

The special closed out a year of 50th Anniversary celebrations for the long-running British sci-fi series, and follows the 2.4 million viewers BBC America drew during the first telecast of the Nov. 23 anniversary special, "Day of the Doctor."

In a press release announcing the ratings, BBC America's SVP of programming, Richard De Croce, said, “Steven Moffat’s first season as showrunner with Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor was the first new 'Doctor Who' season to premiere in the US on BBC America ... almost four years on, thanks to the incredible stories, performances and the most passionate fans in the world, both 'Doctor Who' and BBC America have never been bigger."

He added a complimentary word about Smith, saying, "Matt will forever be a part of the BBC America family and we look forward to teaming up with him again."

-Aaron Sagers

'Doctor Who' Recap: 'The Time of the Doctor'

The Doctor and Handles, courtesy BBC America

BY NOWAL MASSARI

A shielded planet has been sending out a message into all of time and space, drawing a crowd of the most horrifying villains in the universe. The Doctor has also been drawn in by this message, which not even the TARDIS can translate. So, like the rest of the growing army, he waits above the planet, though not at all patiently.

With the help of Handles, a decapitated Cyberman head, he transports onto other ships regaling the inhabitants with tales of his heroism and seeks their camaraderie. He is waving the eyestalk of a defeated Dalek, gesticulating his points with it, when he realizes that he is aboard a Dalek ship. High-tailing it out of there, he transports back aboard the TARDIS, when the phone rings. 
The telephone is no longer patched to the console of the TARDIS, so he asks Handles to remind him to fix that tiny inconvenience. Being a Cyberman, Handles requests details, which causes a teensy spat between the odd couple.

'The Time of the Doctor' Extended Trailer Released

With only a week left until "The Time of the Doctor," an extended trailer has been released. While it begins with some Christmas festivities and cheer, it appears as if the universe is on the brink of a second Time War. How will the Doctor save everyone this time? Tune in on December 25 at 9 p.m. ET to find out and say goodbye to Matt Smith.



-Nowal Massari

BBC Saying Goodbye to Matt Smith with New Special

Image courtesy Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

The time to say goodbye to Matt Smith is rapidly approaching. To help fans bid Smith farewell, the BBC will be airing an hour long special dedicated to his tenure as the Doctor on December 25, 8PM EST on BBC America, right before his final episode, "The Time of the Doctor."

"Doctor Who: Farewell to Matt Smith," will feature highlights from his run as the Doctor, as well as interviews from Smith's cast mates, writers, producers, guest stars of the show, celebrity Whovians and Smith himself. The retrospective documentary will be narrated by none other than Alex Kingston, better known as River Song. 

-Nowal Massari

Steven Moffat Discusses Upcoming Season of Doctor Who: Matt Smith Is Doctor 13

Image courtesy of the BBC

"Doctor Who" showrunner, Steven Moffat, has recently announced that the upcoming series 8 will air as one full season. The seventh season of the monstrous BBC hit was split over 2 years, with the first half airing in 2012 and the second in 2013.

The new season is set to air in August 2014, and following his brief appearance in "The Day of the Doctor" and his debut in "The Time of the Doctor," this will mark Peter Capaldi's first full series run as the Doctor.

Moffat also confirmed that Matt Smith is NOT the 11th Doctor, but the 13th and final incarnation instead. Here's where things get a little...wibbly wobbly. According to Moffat, John Hurt's "War Doctor" and David Tennant's "10.2" regenerations cement Smith's status as the 13th Doctor. Moffat clarified, as much as he is wont to do, while speaking with Radio Times the regeneration limits of our favorite Time Lord, stating:

A Look Inside The 'Doctor Who' Christmas Special, 'The Time of the Doctor'

Poster for "The Time of the Doctor"

Following the record breaking 50th anniversary special, "The Day of the Doctor," the BBC is giving "Doctor Who" fans a sneak peek into the upcoming Christmas special.

"The Time of the Doctor" is set to air on Christmas Day and will star Jenna Coleman as "Clara," with a confirmed appearance by "Sinbad" actress Orla Brady, though her role has yet to be revealed. Here is a brief, spoiler-free synopsis of the episode from the BBC site:

Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe’s deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars. [...] And amongst them – the Doctor. Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe.

The 10-second preview that aired after "The Day of the Doctor" showed fans that the Doctor would be facing many old foes, and will be going back to Trenzalore, where the Silence warned him he must never go. In addition to the preview, the BBC has released this official poster where the holly jolly Christmas feelings are definitely amiss.

This episode will end Matt Smith's four year tenure as the 11th (13th?) Doctor. His friend and companion, Jenna Coleman stated recently at London's ExCel celebration of the 50th anniversary of the show that filming this episode was "pretty awful." Jenna continued, "It was a bit of whirlwind. It was incredibly exciting because you’re welcoming in a new Doctor (Peter Capaldi) but then at the same time you’re also feeling incredibly heartbroken and kind of angry as well."



-Nowal Massari

Matt Smith And Jenna Coleman Talk 'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary

Back at San Diego Comic-Con 2013 in July, I had the chance to talk to Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman about the "Doctor Who" 50th Anniversary, along with some other journalists. This is the conversation that follows. I was seated next to Matt, and it was a pleasure to yet again talking to these two. You'll notice we have a couple private moments, though I'm out of the frame.

-Aaron Sagers

First Images Released Of 'Doctor Who' 50th

Check in and check out these Doctors. The BBC America has released the very first images from the "Doctor Who" 50th Anniversary episode "The Day of the Doctor," premiering Saturday, November 23. The special will be feature length with 75 minutes of adventure, starring Matt Smith, David Tennant, Jenna Coleman with Billie Piper and John Hurt.

In the main pic, we of course see Eleventh, Twelfth and the "other" Doctor Hurt. So this means they do get some hang time in the TARDIS all together. Speaking of hangin, check out the rest of the pics after the jump to see a Doctor hanging from a flying TARDIS, along with a Companion being kept company and some TARDIS control panel shots.

Of course, the long-running series will be broadcast simultaneously to millions of viewers worldwide in a global simulcast and BBC AMERICA will soon announce details of select 3D screenings of the anniversary episode in theatres in the U.S.

-Aaron Sagers

BBC America Unveils 'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Special Poster

BBC America unveiled a key piece of art, and the title, of the upcoming Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special.

Airing Saturday, Nov. 23, the 75-minute special will be called "The Day Of The Doctor" and will, as we previously knew, current Doctor Matt Smith, current companion Jenna Coleman, former Doctor David Tennant and former companion Billie Piper (returning to the franchise for the first time since 2010). Of course, it will also star John Hurt as an incarnation of our favorite Time Lord.

The image released today with the title is dominated by Smith and Tennant, back-to-back, with a smaller version of Hurt emerging from an explosion between them. But it's Hurt, and what's behind him, that catches the eye. Hurt is striding away from obliterated Daleks (casualties of the Time Wars?), and what appears to be wreckage from the TARDIS. Also, the words "Bad Wolf" are spray painted on a wall to Hurt's left -- which of course calls to mind the entity that inhabited Rose Tyler (Piper) in Season One of the revived "Who" series, and was the sign spread throughout time and space, and foretold the end of the universe.

Gallifreyan language appears in the background of the explosive element, and I could be reading way too much into this, but it looks like Hurt is wearing Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor leather jacket. And does Hurt's shark-fin faux-hawk hair remind you of Tennant's old 'do? What clue do I not see? Any mention of Peter Capaldi, who will be taking over for Smith in the Christmas Special. Smith announced his departure earlier in the summer, and there's a rumor that Capaldi might pop up in the 50th special.

Anyhow, let the speculation begin, but in a press release, Smith promised, "There’s lots more coming your way, as the countdown to the 50th begins now.”

As an added bonus, "The Day Of The Doctor" (and Doctors) premiers Nov. 23, just a few days before Thanksgiving, so you'll have a lot to talk about with your relatives to avoid conversations about religion, politics and football.

-Aaron Sagers

'Doctor Who' Series 1-7 to be Released in Blu-ray Gift Set

While Whovians are eagerly anticipating the return of the Madman with a box, word on the street is that we will be receiving another box this fall ... of the boxed set variety.

For the first time, BBC Home Entertainment is releasing the "new Who" series in its entirety on Blu-ray. The set will include Series 1-4 starring Christopher Eccleston (Ninth Doctor) and David Tennant (Tenth Doctor) making their newly remastered Blu-ray debut, along with Series 5-7 with Matt Smith (Eleventh Doctor).

All episodes will be be presented in full 1080p high definition and it retails for $314.98.

Fans of Doctor Who are well aware that nothing is ever as it seems, and this set is no different. Like the TARDIS, it is also bigger on the inside and promises plenty of extras for viewers. For example, your own Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver that doubles as a universal remote!

An official release date has yet to be announced. However, it sounds like it will be available before the 50th Anniversary special is released ... just in time for new Whovians to catch up, or for longtime fans to rewatch and repeatedly curse Moffat to the Heavens.

The set is available for pre-order here.

-Nowal Massari

WHO will be the 12th Doctor, and WHEN will we know?

Sorry Whovians, you’ll have to wait all summer to discover the identity of the Twelfth Doctor. But the good news is, BBC insiders have told folks at Radiotimes that we should know in early autumn. Can you wait?

Filming for the annual Doctor Who Christmas special will begin in “probably August or even September” but the sources said that the Doctor’s identity “is almost certain to be announced just prior to filming.”

Despite hopes that filming would begin earlier, a spokeswoman revealed that they are on track.

Since the recent departure of Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith there has been much speculation as to who is may be from Rory Kinnear to Dominic Cooper to the recently ruled out, Idris Alba (The Wire). Will he be young or old, a ginger perhaps? Who are your predictions and hopes for the Twelfth?

-Larissa Mrykalo

Editor's reaction to Matt Smith departure from 'Doctor Who'

BY AARON SAGERS

Minutes ago I was having an amazing day of nerdery over Doctor Who at Wizard World's Philadelphia Comic Con. Posing in front of the best custom built TARDIS I have ever seen, made by Michael C. Collectibles (made out of pine, perfect color and weathering, just a thing of beauty) for a story I was working on for MTV Geek. Having left my own Eleventh Doctor sonic screwdriver at home, I was borrowing one from a cosplayer and doing my best Time Lord stance.

...Then I checked my email. The press release from BBC America came in just before 6 p.m. EDT that Matt Smith would be leaving Doctor Who at the end of the year (after the Christmas Special) as I was literally in front of his TARDIS.

Talk about bad timing...

Full statement from BBC America on 'Doctor Who'

Editor's Note: Here is the full statement from the BBC regarding Matt Smith's departure from Doctor Who, received at 5:58 p.m. EDT:

The BBC is today announcing that Matt Smith is to leave Doctor Who after four incredible years on the hit show. Matt first stepped into the TARDIS in 2010 and will leave the role at the end of this year after starring in the unmissable 50th Anniversary in November and regenerating in the Christmas special. During his time as the Doctor, Matt has reached over 30 million unique UK viewers and his incarnation has seen the show go truly global. He was also the first actor to be nominated for a BAFTA in the role. Doctor Who is BBC AMERICA's highest-rated series and premieres as part of the channel's Supernatural Saturday programming block.

Matt quickly won over fans to be voted Best Actor by Readers of Doctor Who Magazine for the 2010 season. He also received a nod for his first series at the National Television Awards, before winning the Most Popular Male Drama Performance award in 2012. Matt has played one of the biggest roles in TV with over 77 million fans in the UK, US and Australia alone!

Matt Smith says: