Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Russell Tovey set to star in ‘Doctor Who’ spin-off

July 27 (UPI) — Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Russell Tovey, Jemma Redgrave, and Alexander Devrient have joined the cast of a new Doctor Who spin-off. The upcoming series, a collaboration between BBC and Disney +, is titled The War Between The Land And The Sea.

The plot centers on an ancient and formidable species that suddenly emerges from the ocean. This event triggers an international crisis. As humanity faces a monumental threat, UNIT—an elite taskforce—steps in to defend against this new adversary. The ensuing conflict pits the land and sea against each other in a dramatic showdown.

The five-part sci-fi drama is the brainchild of Doctor Who showrunner and executive producer Russell T. Davies. He co-wrote the series alongside Pete McTighe. “I’m so lucky to work with such a magnificent cast,” Davies said. “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.”

Filming is scheduled to begin next month, adding to the anticipation among fans. Dylan Holmes-Williams will be directing the series. However, the premiere date has not been announced yet.

In related Doctor Who news, it has also been announced that Jonah Hauer-King from The Little Mermaid will join the next season of the flagship show. Additionally, Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlin is set to appear in this winter’s Doctor Who Christmas special.