Get ready for a splash of excitement as the Doctor Who universe expands with a thrilling new spin-off that dives deep into uncharted waters—literally! But here's where it gets controversial: can a show set entirely underwater truly capture the essence of Doctor Who's time-traveling magic?
The War Between the Land and the Sea is not your average sci-fi adventure. This action-packed series, co-written and executive produced by the legendary Russell T Davies, takes viewers beneath the waves to explore humanity's battle against the ancient Sea Devils. Led by the formidable Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Salt, these aquatic antagonists aren't just after a quick victory—they're aiming to conquer Earth itself. And this time, it’s personal.
Russell Tovey stars as Barclay, an unlikely hero thrust into the role of humanity's ambassador when the Sea Devils rise from the depths. But don’t worry if you’re not a die-hard Doctor Who fan—Tovey assures us, ‘You can watch Doctor Who, or you can never have seen it.’ The series stands alone, offering a fresh, standalone story within the Whoniverse that’s as accessible as it is captivating.
And this is the part most people miss: the show isn’t just about epic battles; it’s a mirror to our world. In one jaw-dropping scene, the Sea Devils weaponize the plastic pollution dumped in their ocean, hurling it back at humanity in a stunning visual spectacle. It’s a bold statement about environmental neglect, and it’s executed with breathtaking special effects that will leave you questioning how much of it was real.
Behind the scenes, the magic is just as impressive. Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s transformation into Salt involved intricate prosthetics so detailed that even Russell Tovey’s dog, Rocky, couldn’t handle it. ‘I’d forget I was dressed as Salt, he’d growl, and I’d think, ‘Oh yeah, I’m blue,’ she recalls with a laugh. But it’s not all fun and games—the series tackles serious themes, from humanity’s relationship with the sea to the consequences of our actions on the planet.
‘It’s a wild, epic, thrilling adventure,’ Gugu promises. ‘It has so many compelling messages about the world we’re living in and what we can do about it.’ And with Davies at the helm, you know it’s going to be emotionally charged. ‘It’s all about the emotion at the centre,’ he says. ‘That’s what will get you watching.’
This spin-off marks the end of the Whoniverse’s collaboration with Disney+, which partially funded the project. Davies reflects, ‘The BBC’s never had the budget to make a proper sequel to the original Sea Devils story.’ But with Disney’s backing, the team was able to create something truly spectacular—though it’s clear the heart of the show lies in its characters and storytelling.
As we eagerly await the first two episodes, dropping on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Sunday, 7 December, before premiering globally on Disney+ in early 2026, one question lingers: Will humanity survive the Sea Devils’ onslaught? Davies teases with a grin, ‘Will we survive?’
But here’s the real question for you: Does The War Between the Land and the Sea have what it takes to stand alongside the best of Doctor Who, or is it charting its own course entirely? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
