'Doctor Who' Actors Matt Smith And Jenna-Louise Coleman Film New Movie, Mini-Series: Are They Both Leaving For Season 8?
Fans have had a few weeks to digest the news that Matt Smith is leaving "Doctor Who" after the 50th anniversary special and Christmas special this year, and now it seems both Smith and Jenna-Louise Coleman have found new projects.
Last week, the 30-year-old Smith left fans an adorable silent message while filming in Detroit for "How to Catch a Monster."
"How to Catch a Monster" is an upcoming fantasy neo-noir film written and directed by Ryan Gosling, his directorial debut. Smith will star alongside Christina Hendricks, Saoirse Ronan, and Eva Mendes.
"Great actors always know when it's time for the curtain call, so this Christmas prepare for your hearts to break, as we say goodbye to number Eleven. Thank you Matt, bow ties were never cooler," said Steven Moffat following Smith's departure announcement.
"Of course, this isn't the end of the story, because now the search begins. Somewhere out there right now, all unknowing, just going about their business, is someone who's about to become the Doctor. A life is going to change, and 'Doctor Who' will be born all over again! After 50 years, that's still so exciting!"
But Smith is not the only one setting foot on new territory. 27-year-old Jenna-Louise Coleman, who plays the Doctor's current companion Clara Oswin, has been cast in mini-series "Death Comes to Pemberley."
According to Zap2it, the BBC One production is based on a P.D. James novel which derives from "Pride and Prejudice," in which a murder investigation goes underway involving Lydia (played by Coleman), her sister Elizabeth, and their husbands George Wickham and Mr. Darcy.
Does this mean season 8 of "Doctor Who," set to premiere next fall, will have both actors leaving and a whole new cast?
Fortunately, Coleman unofficially confirmed her return to season 8 post-Christmas special in a radio interview, and production for "Death Comes to Pemberley" has begun this month, soon to be followed by season 8 production of "Doctor Who" in September.
Still, nothing's ever certain on "Doctor Who," especially since Coleman initially pointed the September late production start to Smith's busy film schedule, which of course, is no longer a problem.