Doctor Who Christmas special not like ‘grim’ superhero films - Capaldi

Peter Capaldi has praised the Doctor Who Christmas special for harking back to the days of vintage superhero films, describing modern superhero movies as “grim”. The actor will return in his leading role of the Doctor in the festive episode, entitled The Return of Doctor Mysterio, alongside returning cast member Matt Lucas and newcomers Justin Chatwin and Charity Wakefield. The theme of the Christmas Day episode is that of classic superheroes, with Justin taking on the role of a mysterious figure known as The Ghost.

Superheroes nowadays tend to be a grim lot – but in those days there was optimism and a deliberate naivety that the character of Superman had which was very attractive.

Peter Capaldi

Peter said that the script reminded him of the early Superman movies and that fans will be enthralled with the comedic elements to this new Doctor Who outing. He compared it to current superhero films, of which there has been an endless flow in recent years with Marvel and DC Comics leading the charge. He said: “When I first read the script I thought ‘this is wonderful’ because it captures the delightful, light comedy touch that existed in the early Superman movies with Christopher Reeves.“ Peter, who has played the Time Lord since 2013, said the plot for the upcoming episode is “very much a light-hearted superhero romp”. Show creator Steven Moffat said he wanted to do a superhero story for the Doctor Who Christmas special because he loves the “secret identity” they have.

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