"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.

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:

'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Special Lands a Guinness World Record

Image Courtesy of the BBC

The "Doctor Who" 50th anniversary episode, "The Day of the Doctor" received a Guinness World Record. The 75-minute-long special episode earned the record for the largest ever simulcast of a TV drama. The BBC released a statement confirming that the episode was broadcast across six continents and in 94 countries.

With over 500K tickets sold, the episode was also screened in over 1500 theaters worldwide, including 3D screenings in the US, UK, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia.

Steven Moffatt, showrunner for "Doctor Who," said of receiving the award, "For years the Doctor has been stopping everyone else from conquering the world. Now, just to show off, he's gone and done it himself!"  "The Day of the Doctor" drew in 10.2 million viewers on BBC One, with another 1.36 million tuning into "Doctor Who Live: The Afterparty," on BBC 3.

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Special Recap: 'The Day of the Doctor'

BY NOWAL MASSARI

Whovians across the world have been waiting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Doctor Who" with the 76 minute special, "The Day of the Doctor." With a week dedicated to the longest running sci-fi series on television, the special was aired in a global simulcast, so that fans everywhere could share the experience together. It will be the longest episode since its return eight years ago and was aired exactly 50 years to the day of the very first episode, "An Unearthly Child."

Popularity of the show began to rise when it came back in 2005, after a hiatus, but the show really took off in the United States when David Tennant stepped into the role. It became an even larger phenomenon once Matt Smith took over as the eleventh Doctor. With celebrations world wide, even a limited 3D theatrical release, "The Day of the Doctor" has promised to be a game-changing episode. And what an episode it was.  If you've yet to watch the special, hide you eyes. Spoilers.

Countdown! Just William Hartnell Days Left Until 'The Day of The Doctor'

Hartnell as the First Doctor had to wear a wig to
 get this signature long hair 

William Hartnell, of St. Pancras, London, was born January 8, 1908. Born to Lucy Hartnell, he never knew his father and was partly raised by his aunt, but spent a lot of time with his mother's family in Devon, where he learned to ride horses on their farm. After leaving school, young Billy flirted with petty crime.

Upon joining a boxing club for young boys, he met art collector, Hugh Blaker, who eventually became Hartnell's unofficial guardian. Blaker initially wanted young Hartnell to train as a jockey, but having a personal love for the theater, he helped the young man get into the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts. Blaker also paid for Hartnell to receive some "polishing" at the Imperial Service College, but he ran away due to the strict rules set before him.

In 1925, Hartnell started working under Frank Benson as a stagehand, and soon he began taking parts in numerous Shakespearian plays. In 1928 he performed in the play "Miss Elizabeth's Prisoner" alongside actress Heather McIntyre, whom he married in 1929. His first film role was in 1932, which lead to over 60 film performances throughout his career. In 1942, he was cast in Noel Coward's "In Which We Serve," but he arrived late to set, which caused Coward to berate him in front of the entire cast and crew. He was forced to apologize to everyone, though Coward fired him anyway.

Countdown! Patrick Troughton Days Until 'The Day of The Doctor'

Patrick Troughton was born in Mill Hill, England, on March 25, 1920. He lived in the affluent suburb for the majority of his life, and began his acting career in a school play in 1937. He attended the Embassy School of Acting, where he was awarded a scholarship to Leighton Rallius Studios on Long Island, New York.

In 1940, Troughton joined the Royal Navy and was made a Lieutenant with the Royal Naval Reserve. He received the 1939-45 Star and the Atlantic Star decorations, and he was said to have worn a tea cosy on his head in cold weather when on the North Sea. Troughton returned to theater after the war, and in 1947 he made his television debut. The following year, he made his first cinematic appearance with small roles in films such as "Hamlet," "Treasure Island" and Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed "Escape," which starred William Hartnell. In 1953, Troughton became the first actor to play Robin Hood on television, starring in six half hour episodes on the BBCs "Robin Hood."

New 'Doctor Who' Mini Episode: 'The Last Day'

In anticipation of the "Doctor Who" 50th Anniversary Special, a new mini episode has been released to serve as perhaps a companion to last week’s “The Night of The Doctor.” “The Last Day” by Stephen Moffat doesn’t have as many surprises but it certainly shows what strife the Time War is inflicting. The Daleks are attacking Arcadia and unfortunately, it’s not a hallucination.

So strap on your cerebral head cam and get a soldier’s point of view of this destructive war.

"The Day of The Doctor" is simulcast this Saturday at 2:50 p.m. ET on BBC America. Save the date!



-Larissa Mrykalo

BBC America to Present First Live Pre-Show for 50th Anniversary of 'Doctor Who'

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Doctor Who," BBC America and Nerdist Industries will be presenting the first ever live simulcast pre-show from the YouTube Space Los Angeles. Hosted by Veronica Belmont, the live pre-show will air right before the premiere on Saturday, November 23 at 2:30 p.m EST on BBC America and will stream to audiences world wide via their YouTube channel.
The pre-show will have live presentations of fan-created content from across the globe, as well as conversations with special guests, including YouTube star Phil DeFranco.

“'Doctor Who' has an amazing social media following and is enormously popular, with millions of views on YouTube. Partnering with YouTube on an innovative pre-show will enable fans everywhere to join our celebration of this groundbreaking series’ 50th anniversary," said BBC America General Manager, Perry Simon of the project.

Head of YouTube Space LA, Liam Collins also shared his excitement, saying "We’re very excited to work with BBC America and Nerdist on this first ever simulcast from YouTube Space LA and are looking forward to welcoming 'Doctor' Who fans and YouTube talents for a truly innovative pre-show experience connecting communities all across the world."

After "The Day of the Doctor," BBC America's YouTube channel will host a YouTube exclusive post show at 4PM EST. Produced by Nerdist Industries for BBC America, with Seth Laderman and Chris Hardwick serving as Executive Producers, the live pre-show will round off a YouTube week of all things "Doctor Who," which featured content from YouTube channel favorites such as Doctor Puppet, Nerdist, PBSideaChannel, How to Cook That, Rugburn, and Emergency Awesome.

-Nowal Massari

Countdown! Only Jon Pertwee Days Left Until 'The Day of The Doctor'

Jon Pertwee, son of actor and screenwriter Roland Pertwee, was born in Chelsea on July 7, 1919. He was expelled from multiple schools, including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, for refusing to play a Greek "wind" during a lesson; he stated that it was a waste of his fathers time and money. Young Pertwee was also accused of defacing bathroom walls with rude statements about tutors at the school.

Pertwee was an officer in the Royal Navy and spent time with the top secret Naval Intelligence Division during World War II, alongside "James Bond" author, Ian Fleming. He woke up with a cobra tattooed on his arm after one drunken night during he time in the Navy. He began his foray into show business after the war, beginning on radio programs and then making his way to the stage and television.

In 1969, Pertwee asked his agent to send in an application for the role of the Doctor, but was surprised to find out that producer Peter Bryant had already added him to the shortlist of actors being considered for the part. Ron Moody was the producers first choice, however he was unavailable, so Pertwee got the part. Pertwee's third Doctor had a zest for adventure and fancy clothing and reigned for five seasons from 1970 through 1974.

Newly Released Images For 'The Day of The Doctor'

All Images Courtesy BBC

It's almost time for the world wide premiere of BBC's "The Day of the Doctor," and new images from the episode have been released. Now for those fans out there that want to be completely surprised by the events of the anniversary special, look away and hush now, spoilers...

A recent press release revealed some details about the Stephen Moffat-penned special:

The Doctors (Matt Smith and David Tennant) embark on their greatest adventure across space and time. In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London’s National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion. All of reality is at stake as the Doctor’s own dangerous past comes back to haunt him.

The special will star Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, and will feature John Hurt. David Tennant will be returning for the first time since his regeneration in 2010, along with Billie Piper, who last appeared alongside him in "The End of Time."

The global simulcast airs Saturday, November 23 at 2:50 p.m. EST, with an encore presentation airing at 7:00 p.m. EST, with exclusives from Matt Smith and David Tennant.

Check out some of the new images, after the jump...

-Nowal Massari

Countdown! Tom Baker Days Until 'The Day of the Doctor'

Tom Baker was born in 1934 in Liverpool, England. At the age of 15, Baker left school to become a Roman Catholic monk, but after six years, he lost faith and left. From 1955 until 1957, he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps and began to dabble in acting.

Bill Slater, who had previously directed Baker in a production of "The Millionairess," recommended Baker as Jon Pertwee's replacement for the next Doctor. He was working construction jobs at the time of his casting. Baker's eccentric fourth Doctor was the longest running in the show's history, thus far, as he portrayed him for seven seasons. He is considered one of the most popular Doctors, and continues to be associated with the show in DVD commentaries, audio books and documentaries.

The fourth Doctor is often referred to as "Doctor Longscarf," due to his ever present, impossibly long wool scarf. The accessory was actually a mistake! The costume designer at the time, James Acheson, gave knitter, Begonia Pope, too much wool to create the scarf, but she used it all anyway! Baker loved it as it was, though it had to be shortened a tad to make it more manageable for filming. It has been said that Baker was absolutely furious when his costume was changed in 1981.

Baker was rumored to have been up for the role of Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, however he states that he was just approached for "a role," and turned down the part because he didn't wish to spend long stretches of time in New Zealand, away from home. Baker is most recently known for his various voice-over work.

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Takeover Schedule

Courtesy BBC America

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Doctor Who," BBC America is providing a "Doctor Who Takeover," which will have new features and marathons from Monday, November 18, right up until the global simulcast of "The Day of the Doctor" on Saturday, November 23. Some of the new features will include "The Science of Doctor Who" with Brian Cox, "Doctor Who Explained," "Doctor Who: Tales from the TARDIS" and the long awaited special, "An Adventure in Space and Time," which details the first few years of the show. Provided from a BBC press release, here is the schedule of Doctor Who week, in full, after the jump!

Countdown! Only Peter Davison More Days Until The Day of the Doctor' Airs

Only five days left until the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary special, "The Day of the Doctor!" We're counting down to the special by highlighting the first five Doctors. First up, the fifth Doctor, Peter Davison.

Born Peter Moffett in 1951, he was bitten by the acting bug when his family moved to Woking in Surrey in 1961. At 29, he was the youngest person to be cast as the Doctor, until Matt Smith took over the role at 26.

His first appearance as the Doctor was during Tom Baker's regeneration sequence in "Logopolis," with his first full episode being "Castrovalva." Davison's last appearance as the Doctor was in the episode "The Caves of Androzani."

His daughter, Georgia Moffett, played the role of "Jenny" in the befittingly titled Doctor Who episode, "The Doctor's Daughter," alongside David Tennant. After playing the Doctor's daughter on television, Moffett and Tennant began dating, and in 2011, the fifth Doctor became the tenth Doctors father-in-law.

-Nowal Massari

Amazing Animation Depicting All Eleven Doctors

Thanks to crucigramasycafe.com for this very cool animation of the eleven Doctors ... running! From William Hartnell to Matt Smith, are they running to pass the time until the November 23 airing of "The Day of the Doctor?" This is actually the brainchild of artist, Javi Castro who took the words of companion Clara Oswald, "Run, clever boy...and remember," literally.

We're counting down the days until the simultaneous world premiere of the "Doctor Who" 50th Anniversary Special, "The Day of the Doctor." It airs on Saturday at 2:50 p.m. ET.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Doctor Who' Mini Episode 'The Night of the Doctor' Has Some Big Surprises

Courtesy comicbook.com

A new mini episode prequel for the “Doctor Who” 50th Anniversary Special called “The Night of the Doctor” has just become available and there are some big surprises. Paul McGann returns as Number Eight, the Time War is teased and there's a surprise appearance at the very end. Who is it?

Here's a taste of what Stephen Moffat had to say about the mini episode:

BBC: How did The Night of the Doctor come about?

Steven Moffat: Well, we had our new ‘hidden mystery’ Doctor and I was thinking, what else can we do for our anniversary year… I thought… Why don’t we get Paul McGann in and regenerate him into John Hurt? I’d like to see that! I’d love to see that! And we had this possibility that we could do it as a surprise, so we got in touch with Paul who was dead keen and I’m delighted to say he was so happy to join in with the idea of keeping it secret. He was childishly excited about it!

Paul came along and shot it - it was the last two days of the shoot for the fiftieth, actually. He did a wonderful job. It was great! We designed a new costume for him based on his old one. Howard Burden did a fantastic job with that.

Read the rest of the interview here but make sure you watch the video first, deal?

“The Day of the Doctor” airs in the US on November 23 at 2:50 p.m. ET.



-Larissa Mrykalo

BBC Releases Two 'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Special Trailers

The BBC is being super generous today with the “Doctor Who” 50th Anniversary Special trailers! On the heels of officially releasing "The Day of The Doctor" trailer that was leaked last night, they’ve released yet another longer peek at the upcoming special. The first trailer wasn't supposed to be released until tomorrow, but BBC decided to release both today.

This second trailer features some of what we saw in the first but there are some nice extras. Why are they all together? Why are they all here? Did a TARDIS smash into a bunch of Daleks? See what you can find among all the timey wimey goodness!




Here is today's initially released trailer in case you want to compare...




-Larissa Mrykalo

First Official 'Doctor Who' 50th Anniversary Special Trailer Leaks

Earlier this evening, BBC Spain posted the trailer for the "Doctor Who" 50th Anniversary Special and according to BuzzFeed, "The trailer was originally posted on the BBC Spain Facebook page. It was up for approximately 30 minutes and has since been taken down." But not before the trailer was grabbed and posted for us to enjoy.

Brace yourselves, fans, this is huge! There are many first looks and it's chock full of mystery; including a look at the last Time War, awesome shots of Gallifrey, a first look at the "lost" Doctor and the return of Bad Wolf! Also, what is Elizabeth I running from? Check it out here before it disappears!

Don't forget to #SaveTheDate and watch November 23 at 2:50 p.m. ET.

New Teaser Trailer for "The Day of the Doctor"

Are you prepared to soar through history with the Doctor? Released today, the teaser trailer for the 50th Anniversary special unfortunately doesn't show any footage from "The Day of the Doctor," but it does succeed in making fans excited for the November 23 airing.

Check it out here...you'll swear it's in 3D!



-Larissa Mrykalo