Fan of the British science fiction series Doctor Who have seen many spinoffs (Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures the most well-known) over its 40 seasons and 60 years of production, but the newest may be the most exciting in recent years.
BBC and Disney revealed the new spinoff series The War Between the Land and the Sea at last year’s San Diego Comic Con.
The new series stars Russell Tovey and Gugu Mbatha-Raw and is (fingers crossed) set to arrive on screens in 2025.
What is The War Between the Land and the Sea about?
When a fearsome and ancient species emerges from the ocean, dramatically revealing themselves to humanity, an international crisis is triggered. With the entire population at risk, UNIT steps into action as the land and sea wage war.
What is UNIT?
UNIT is the Unified Intelligence Taskforce, previously known as the United Nations Intelligence Taskforce. In the original series, UNIT was created and operated by the United Nations. Its mission is to identify, investigate and combat extraterrestrial threats to Earth as well as paranormal foes. Executive producer Russell T Davies revealed in 2005 that the United Nations no longer wanted to be associated with the fictional military organization.
When does the The War Between the Land and the Sea premiere?
No premiere date has been announced for The War Between the Land and the Sea but it’ll likely be mid-2025 at the earliest. Filming wrapped in December 2024.
When was The War Between the Land and the Sea filmed?
The War Between the Land the Sea was filmed between August and December 2024.
Where was The War Between the Land and the Sea filmed?
The War Between the Land the Sea was filmed in various locations across Wales and also in Spain.
Who created The War Between the Land and the Sea?
The War Between the Land and the Sea was created by Doctor Who showrunner and executive producer Russell T Davies, who wrote the spinoff with Pete McTighe (A Discovery of Witches, The Pact, Doctor Who).
“I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast,” Davies said. “And this is a huge, muscular, thrilling drama which will shake The Whoniverse to its foundations. When the Doctor’s not in town, the whole of humanity is in trouble.“
Who are the villains in The War Between the Land and the Sea?
The series features the triumphant return of the Sea Devils, classic Doctor Who villains first seen in 1972.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Mbatha-Raw starred opposite Kiefer Sutherland in the FOX TV series Touch. She has since appeared in a variety of shows including Loki, The Morning Show, and lending her voice talent for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. She previously played Tish Jones on Doctor Who, but will play a different character in this series.
Russell Tovey
Tovey has starred in Ryan Murphy’s FEUD and American Horror Story series as well as shows like Quantico, The Flash, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. He previously appeared as Alonso Frame in the Doctor Who universe but will play a different character in this series.
Jemma Redgrave (Kate Lethbridge-Stewart)
Redgrave appeared in four episodes of the current season of Doctor Who. While it is unclear if Redgrave will reprise her role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, the Chief Scientific Officer and Commander-in-Chief of UNIT.
Alexander Devrient (Colonel Christofer Ibrahaim)
Devrient will reprise his role as Colonel Ibrahaim. His character appeared in the latest season of Doctor Who. His previous credits include Ted Lasso and FBI: International.
Ruth Madeley (Shirley Anne Bingham)
Bingham is a UNIT scientific adviser with a background in neurosurgery. Madeley has another Doctor Who connection – she played the Doctor’s Companion in one of the audio series. Previous credits include The Cleaner, The Watch, and Cold Feet.
Colin McFarlane (General Austin Pierce)
McFarlane reprises his role as General Austin Pierce. His character first appeared in the 2006 Doctor Who spinoff series, Torchwood, which starred John Barrowman and Eve Myles. Previous include Crown for Christmas, Outlander, and Peppa Pig.
How many episodes are there of The War Between the Land and the Sea?
There are five episodes in The War Between the Land and the Sea.
Where can I watch The War Between the Land and the Sea?
The War Between the Land and the Sea will stream exclusively on Disney+ where available and on BBC One in the UK.
