BBC Regenerates 'Doctor Who' Character & Master Toy

Character Options will continue to serve as the hit series’ master toy licensee for the 12th consecutive year.

EUROPE–BBC has unveiled that actress Jodie Whittaker will serve as the 13th Doctor in the “Doctor Who” franchise. The company has also extended its partnership with Character Options to serve as the U.K. master toy partner for the series. 

Whittaker will take over from Peter Capaldi, who will leave the global show this Christmas. In addition, a new head writer and executive producer, Chris Chibnall, will take over from Steven Moffat on the next series and made the decision to cast Whittaker.

“Making history is what ‘Doctor Who’ is all about and Chirs Chibnall’s bold new takeon the next Time Lord is exactly that,” says Charlotte Moore, director, BBC Content. “The nation is going to fall in love with Jodie Whittaker–and have lots of fun too!”

Character Options has held the master toy license for “Doctor Who” since the series’ re-launch in 2005. Throughout the 12-year partnership, the licensee has seen more than 10 million action figures as well as almost 5 million sonic screwdrivers sold.

Under the terms of the renewed agreement, Character Options will develop a host of new products featuring the 12th Doctor, Capadali, as well as the newly announced 13th Doctor. New items are expected to launch later this year, with 13th Doctor merchandise slated for release in fall 2018.

“We are very happy that Character Options will continue to be the lead licensee for our ‘Doctor Who’ merchandise,” says Rikesh Desai, licensing director, merchandise and gaming, BBC Worldwide. “Their products excite and delight U.K. fans and we are looking forward to working closely with them over the tenure of the new showrunner Chris Chibnall and the adventures of Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor.”