Peter Capaldi Gets an All New Sonic Screwdriver

Image Courtesy of Radio Times

The ninth season of "Doctor Who" has seen many changes, including the loss of the iconic Sonic Screwdriver. Fans bemoaned the sonic sunglasses, lamenting that they were silly and cursing Moffat for...well, everything. Being the ever-cheeky man that he is, when asked about why he shook things up like that, he basically said "because I can."

We all knew the Screwdriver would return, it was just a matter of when, and that moment came during the season finale, "Hell Bent." After an intense and emotional episode, Whovians were treated to one more little tug at the heart strings, as the Doctor enters the TARDIS and a brand new Screwdriver is waiting in the console for him.

While it was a quick glimpse of the new tool, you can rest assured that we'll be seeing a lot of it in the upcoming Christmas special, along with River's Sonic...trowel. "The Husbands of River Song," airs on Christmas day, so be sure to tune in and let us know what you think!

While you wait, check out this behind the scenes video of Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi, talking about the new Sonic Screwdriver.

-Nowal Massari

SDCC Announces Air Date of 'Doctor Who' Season 9; Releases First Official Trailer

Jenna Coleman, Peter Capaldi and Michelle Gomez
courtesy the Irish Examiner

During the "Doctor Who" panel, in the infamous Hall H of San Diego Comic Con, the official date for the upcoming ninth season was revealed. The new season is set to air on the BBC, Saturday, September 19th.

Peter Capaldi, the Doctor and first time con-goer, was asked by moderator, Chris Hardwick, during the Doctor Who panel if it has been like any other show he's been on before. It's a well documented fact that Peter Capaldi is a long-time Whovian, so his response was quite touching; "It's the only show that's in my bones." He also admitted to getting teary eyed the first time he saw the TARDIS in person when he guest starred alongside David Tennant, in the 2008 episode, "The Fires of Pompeii."

In addition to the release date of the next season, attendees were treated to an exclusive look at the first official season 9 trailer. In it, we see old villains return, new foes arrive and what looks to be a lot of action. Not only are we treated to glimpses of what appear to be Missy and Clara working together, but we're also shown a brief interaction between Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor and Maisie Williams' (Game of Thrones) yet unknown character.

What do you think, Whovians? Are you excited for the new season and do you have any guesses who Maisie Williams will be playing? Let us know your thoughts & theories in the comments!

-Nowal Massari

Steven Moffat Says Ninth Season of 'Doctor Who' Set to Answer a Big Question

"Why this one? Why did I choose this face? It's like I'm trying to tell myself something. Like I'm trying to make a point. But what is so important that I can't just tell myself what I think?"

A seemingly sly implication that Whovians would be receiving an explanation behind the reappearance of Peter Capaldi in the Whoniverse. While that moment never came in his first season as the Doctor, it appears as though it will be addressed in the upcoming season.

For those unfamiliar, Peter Capaldi appeared alongside David Tennant's 10th Doctor in an episode called "The Fires of Pompeii" as the Roman Merchant, Caecilius. He was next seen in Torchwood: Children of Earth, as Home Office permanent secretary, John Frobisher. While Doctor Who is no stranger to reusing actors, Karen Gillan was first seen in "The Fires of Pompeii" before stepping into the TARDIS with Matt Smith, this is the first time in NuWho history that an actor that has previously been on the show has portrayed the Doctor. I emphasize NuWho, because Colin Baker portrayed a Gallifreyan guard before he became the Sixth Doctor.

'Doctor Who' Christmas Special Air Time and More!

BBC One has just released their Christmas schedule line up, which means one very important thing; Whovians now know when to shrug their familial holiday duties and turn on the telly!

This year's special, "Last Christmas," will be airing Christmas day on BBC One at 6:15PM across the pond and BBC America at 9/8C stateside. Come to think of it, with rumors of Jenna Coleman's impending exit, the title "Last Christmas" seems a little foreboding.

Fans of the show received a sneak peak at the special during the season finale, "Death in Heaven," when Nick Frost showed up in the TARDIS dressed as Santa Claus. Who, by the way, is perfect for this role in every single way. Frost will be returning as Saint Nick to join Clara and the Doctor for their (alleged) last adventure. Trapped on an Arctic base (i.e the North Pole), the trio set out to help a group of scientists that are under a deadly, alien attack. Making an appearance in the episode will be Patrick Troughton's son, Michael Troughton, as Professor Albert.

Showrunner Steven Moffat promises that he hasn't lost his mind, but freely admits that this is the craziest episode he has written. In an interview with Radio Times, he says "It's The Thing meets Miracle on 34th Street – the movie we've all been waiting for. It's certainly the strangest bloody thing I've ever written." He doesn't want fans to write the episode off, however, saying "I sense that the very people who think they might hate this, won't hate it at all. Of all the Christmas specials I've done, it's the one most like the paradigm Doctor Who episode."

If you haven't watched the trailer for the episode yet, consider this my early gift to you. While you're at it, see if you can spot Dan Starkey out of his Sontaran garb!



-Nowal Massari

First Teaser for the Doctor Who Christmas Special Released!

If you like your television spoiler free, I suggest you look away now!

Now that the late watchers have gone, the season 8 finale of Doctor Who gave fans a sneak peek into this years Christmas special, by introducing Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) as Santa Claus.

The episode was followed immediately by the first official teaser trailer, and let me say that things are looking quite terrifying up at the North Pole. Check it out and let us know what you think!

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Recap: 'Robot of Sherwood'

Images Courtesy BBC America

BY NOWAL MASSARI

If there is one thing that "Doctor Who" is not known for, it would be comedy. Sure, there have been laughs throughout the 50 year span of the show, however a straight up funny episode hasn't graced the screens since the 1960s. Until now, that is.

"Robot of Sherwood," penned by the brilliant Mark Gatiss, begins inside the TARDIS. After being told to pick anywhere in time and space to visit, a giddy Clara tells the Doctor that she's always wanted to meet Robin Hood. Trying to dissuade her choice, the Doctor tells her that Robin Hood is just a story and she'll be disappointed. Not even the tiniest bit tempted by the Ice Warrior encampments on Mars, Clara gets her wish as the Doctor sets the TARDIS controls to Sherwood Forrest, 1190AD...ish. To the delight of Clara, and the chagrin of the Doctor, the TARDIS has landed them right next to the Earl of Locksley himself, Robin Hood. He is appears exactly as movies and storybooks have portrayed him; brash, loud and constantly laughing. The Doctor is not a fan and asks Robin if laughing has ever gotten him punched in the face.

'Doctor Who' Recap: 'Deep Breath'

Images Courtesy of the BBC

BY NOWAL MASSARI

After what seemed like a nerd-ternity, the series eight premiere of "Doctor Who" has finally arrived. As with all post-regeneration Doctors, we enter the first episode with a touch of sadness and slight caution. As pointed out by Chris Hardwick and Wil Wheaton on "After Who Live," we nerds are living in a post-Phantom Menace world and we do not like change. However, we always warm to the new Doctor as time goes forward (or backward). So now, hold on to your sonics and take a "Deep Breath."

First Official, Full Length Doctor Who Trailer Released

"Am I a good man?"

As the clock ticks down to the August 23 premiere of "Doctor Who," the BBC is giving Whovians everywhere a peek into where the next season will be headed. With glimpses of old villains, and new, to quote the Doctor himself, this time around we will all be time traveling "into darkness."

Check out the full length trailer below and tell us what you think we can expect from this darker season!



-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Season Eight Premiere Date and Trailer Released

Image Courtesy Official Doctor Who Facebook

After Matt Smith's Christmas regeneration/departure, Whovians everywhere wondered how long they would have to wait before officially meeting the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi. Well, wonder no more! Earlier, the BBC announced that the eighth season of the sci-fi smash hit will be premiering in late August:

"The new Doctor lands on August 23, with a feature-length first episode called “Deep Breath” – starring Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor and Jenna Coleman as his companion, Clara.”

Along with the premiere date, the BBC also released a new teaser trailer for the upcoming season, where we catch a glimpse of a confused Clara being asked if the Doctor is a good man. With "Doctor Who: the World Tour" kicking off soon, it's safe to assume that fans will be treated to even more sneak peeks, new information and trailers right up until the premiere on August 23.

Slap on your bow ties and check out the newest teaser!



-Nowal Massari

"Doctor Who: the World Tour" to Kick Off in August

Courtesy Mirror Online

Whovians of the world have been preparing for the August arrival of Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor for quite some time. As the moment draws closer, BBC America and BBC Worldwide have announced that "Doctor Who" stars Jenna Coleman and Peter Capaldi will be taking the TARDIS on a whirlwind, seven city, five continent "world tour" to promote the new season!

"Doctor Who: the World Tour" kicks off on August 7 in Cardiff, with Capaldi and Coleman also be stopping in London, Seoul, Sydney, New York, Mexico City, and ending on August 19 in Rio de Janeiro.

'Doctor Who' Returning in August

Courtesy Doctor Who Official Twitter

Hear that sound in the distance? Could it be? After an eight month hiatus, the TARDIS is returning!

The official Twitter account for "Doctor Who" announced earlier this morning that the popular series will be hitting BBC One in August, along with a teaser photo that features the silhouette of new Doctor, Peter Capaldi, inside of the TARDIS.

A short while later, they also linked followers to the first teaser "trailer" for the upcoming series eight. Check it out below and stay tuned for all the latest info!

-Nowal Massari

Keeley Hawes Cast as a Villain in 'Doctor Who'

Courtesy BBC

A sassy redhead will be joining the new series of "Doctor Who" and apparently, she carries a dark secret. BBC has released the news stating that "Line of Duty"'s Keeley Hawes will join the cast of "Doctor Who" and "guest star for one episode in Peter Capaldi's first ever series as the Time Lord."

The episode which is written by Steve Thompson ("Sherlock") and directed by Douglas Mackinnon (Line of Duty, Doctor Who), will have Hawes playing "Ms. Delphox." She is described as "a powerful out of this world character with a dark secret. Travelling across space and time the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and his companion, Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), will come face to face with the mysterious Ms Delphox when they arrive on a strange and puzzling planet."

Keeley Hawes comments on her new role, "I am delighted to join Doctor Who and to be working with this incredible team. Ms. Delphox is a great character and someone I've had a lot of fun playing."

Lead writer, Steven Moffat adds, "Anyone watching Jed Mercurio's amazing Line of Duty will know that Keeley Hawes is having one hell of year. And now it's about to get even better as she achieves the greatest villainy yet attempted on 'Doctor Who:' she plays a banker."

The series is currently filming. We'll let you know when the next series will premiere.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Peter Capaldi Makes a Surprise Appearance at BBC Worldwide Showcase Event

During BBC Worldwide's annual Showcase event in Liverpool, audiences were blown away when new Doctor, Peter Capaldi, made an appearance. In his recently revealed Doctor garb, Capaldi stepped out of the TARDIS to chat with television host, Graham Norton.

Capaldi later stated "As a lifetime follower of the show, I'm delighted to see its global success. And I'm looking forward to sharing with the world the very exciting journey the new series is taking us on." This surprise appearance follows the news of Samuel Anderson joining the cast for Capaldi's upcoming season of "Doctor Who." This annual Showcase spans 4 days, bringing together international broadcasters to show them new programming that is available for international sale.

At this time, the new season of "Doctor Who" isn't set to return until fall of 2014. While you wait, make sure to keep checking back at Paranormal Pop Culture for the latest updates!

-Nowal Massari

Samuel Anderson Joins the Cast of 'Doctor Who' For Series 8

Courtesy Doctor Who Official (Twitter)

A new recurring character named Danny Pink will be joining "Doctor Who" for the next series premiering later this year. According to BBC Blogs, Samuel Anderson ("The History Boys," "Gavin & Stacey," "Emmerdale") will take on the role of Pink, a teacher at Coal Hill School where companion Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) also teaches.

Anderson is clearly thrilled about his new role, "I was so excited to join 'Doctor Who' I wanted to jump and click my heels, but I was scared I might not come down before filming started! It’s a quintessential part of British culture and I can’t believe I’m part of it. It’s an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can’t wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo!"

The blog adds a statement from Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, "For the fourth time in 'Doctor Who' history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the TARDIS. In 1963 teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the First Doctor. These days it’s the turn of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. And very soon now, Sam Anderson as Danny Pink will be entering the world of the Doctor. But how and why? Answers are coming later this year in Peter Capaldi’s first series of Doctor Who!"

The blog also reveals that filming "...recently began on episode 4 of the new series which will co-star Robert Goodman ("Gangs of New York," "Game of Thrones") and episode 5, co-starring Jonathan Bailey ("Broadchurch," "Groove High"), and Pippa Bennett-Warner ("The Smoke," "Death in Paradise")."

-Larissa Mrykalo

BBC Reveals Peter Capaldi's 'Doctor Who' Costume

Courtesy BBC

Earlier today, the BBC released this image of Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor, along with the following press release. This image comes just in time for cosplay season at all the big, upcoming cons! No word on when the next series will premiere but we do know that filming is continuing until August.

We'd love your thoughts on his ensemble. Cool? Old-fashioned? Magical? Rebellious?

The Doctor has a new look as Peter Capaldi’s era officially begins. In a picture released today by the BBC, Capaldi can be seen in the costume that will define his time as the Twelfth Time Lord in one of TV’s biggest roles. Sporting a dark blue Crombie coat with red lining, dark blue trousers, a white shirt as well as black Dr. Marten shoes, the look was created by Doctor Who costume designer Howard Burden.

Commenting on his costume, Peter Capaldi said: “He’s woven the future from the cloth of the past. Simple, stark, and back to basics. No frills, no scarf, no messing, just 100 per cent Rebel Time Lord.” While lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat added: “New Doctor, new era, and of course new clothes. Monsters of the universe, the vacation is over – Capaldi is suited and booted and coming to get you!”

Filming for episode one of series 8 began earlier this month, after 10.2 million tuned-in on Christmas Day to get their first much-anticipated glimpse of Capaldi’s Doctor. Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One, commented: “Peter Capaldi’s Doctor is officially recorded in history today with the unveiling of his new costume. It’s sharp, smart and stylish – The Twelfth Time Lord means business.”

Doctor Who is a BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC One.

-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

'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.

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

Ron Burgundy Meets the New Doctor Who?

Ron, sporting a TARDIS blue jacket

A little fun to brighten your Monday morning! We're kind of sorry that "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" doesn't have any paranormal elements to cover (unless you count Ron Burgundy's amazing hair) so we were thrilled to find this video.

It looks like Mr. Burgundy might not be a fan of "Doctor Who?" In this short video thanks to IGN, Ron just can't get it through his luscious mane that Peter Capaldi is the new Who. Who? Peter Capaldi! Damn it, Ron!

"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" is out in theaters this December 20. You can watch the "Doctor Who" Christmas Special on December 25. Check out IGN's video, after the jump...

-Larissa Mrykalo