Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Matthew (talk | contribs) at 13:10, 2 April 2009 (Reverted edits by Magnius (talk) to last version by Matthew). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Template:Future television

"Planet of the Dead" is a forthcoming episode of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who due to be broadcast on 11 April 2009. It is the first of four specials to be broadcast throughout 2009 and early 2010.

Plot

When a London bus goes off-course to an alien planet, Lady Christina joins up with the Doctor to uncover the mysteries beneath the sand; as time moves on the fatal Swarm gets closer.

Production

Executive Producer and head writer Russell T Davies co-wrote the episode with Gareth Roberts ("The Shakespeare Code", "The Unicorn and the Wasp"). The episode is directed by James Strong and production began on 19 January in Wales. The title of the episode was unveiled during the closing credits of "The Next Doctor" broadcast on 25 December 2008.

Rumours of overseas shooting in Dubai were confirmed by Davies in interviews in late January, who indicated the need for a desert on "a proper alien planet". At the same time, reports emerged that a 1980 Bristol VR double-decker bus - previously alluded to as a major element of the story - had been damaged beyond use during transport to Dubai, and that this has made substantial rewrites necessary to maintain the production schedule.

"Planet of the Dead" is the first episode of Doctor Who to be filmed in HD.

Casting

Comedian Lee Evans plays Malcolm, a professor, whose life is said to become connected to the Doctor's in extraordinary circumstances. Michelle Ryan plays Lady Christina de Souza, a character with "... a mysterious past who's going to have a huge impact on the Doctor". 'UNIT' Captain Erisa Magambo is played by Noma Dumezweni, reprising her role from "Turn Left". Adam James plays Detective Inspector McMillan.

References

1. ^ "Doctor Who - The Tennant Tapes". BBC. 2008-03-28. Retrieved 2009-03-07.
2. "Series Five". BBC. 03 September 2007. Retrieved 2009-01-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
3. ^ "Get ready for Planet of the Dead!". Doctor Who Magazine (404). Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent: Panini Comics: 5. 4 February 2009 (cover date). {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
4. "Press Office - Network TV Programme Information BBC Week 15". BBC. 2004-02-10. Retrieved 2009-04-01.
5. "Doctor Who – Planet Of The Dead". Network TV Programme Information BBC Week 15. BBC Press Office. 2009-03-26. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
6. ^ "All aboard for next special". BBC. 23rd Jan 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
7. Nick Setchfield (2008-01-28). "Doctor Whobai". SFX. Retrieved 2009-01-29.
8. Ben Leach (2009-01-28). "Doctor Who filming disrupted as double decker bus wrecked". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2009-01-29.
9. "Doctor Who to be filmed in HD". Doctor Who Online. 2009-02-04. Retrieved 2009-02-05.

External links

• Planet of the Dead (TV story) on Tardis Wiki, the Doctor Who Wiki

Template:Doctor Who (2009-10 specials)

• 2009 television episodes
• British television specials
• Screenplays by Russell T Davies
• Tenth Doctor episodes