The BBC has confirmed that Neil Patrick Harris will be playing the Celestial Toymaker, a character last seen on TV in 1966, in the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials.
The news comes after the brand new trailer, which features Harris as the mysterious villain, dancing around on the streets of Bristol (this DWC writer walks that route quote often actually; maybe I’ll dance a little next time), alongside David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor and Catherine Tate returning as Tenth Doctor companion, Donna Noble.
The BBC noted:
The brand new trailer features Neil Patrick-Harris waltzing onto the scene, as it is now revealed that he will play the Toymaker, an all-powerful enemy last seen in 1966 – but what is it that brings the Doctor face-to-face with this enemy from his past?
And if you’re wondering who this First Doctor foe is, stay tuned to th DWEC, as we have a handy explainer coming just past midnight (GMT) tonight…
Russell T Davies, showrunner, said:
“This is just the start, as the fever starts to burn. We’re heading for a November full of Doctor Who surprises, for fans and new viewers alike. Stay alert!”
Harris is expected to play the Toymaker in The Giggle, the final of the 60th anniversary trilogy, and it appears that the manipulative baddie has turned the human race against the Doctor, Donna, and UNIT (led by Kate Stewart, played by Jemma Redgrave).
Doctor Who will premiere on BBC1 in the UK and Ireland; Disney+ will be the home for new seasons outside the UK.