Big Finish, in association with BBC Studios, has announced a forthcoming full-cast audio drama series with a re-cast of the War Doctor, formerly played by Sir John Hurt.

Newcomer Jonathon Carley is set to star in four brand-new box sets of adventures for the Doctor’s disavowed alter ego, due for release starting from June 2021.

The War Doctor was introduced in the 2013 television story, The Name of the Doctor. Originally portrayed by Sir John Hurt, the character appeared in two further stories during Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary year, The Night of the Doctor and The Day of the Doctor, before going on to feature in twelve audio drama adventures.

The tragic passing of Hurt in 2017 brought the curtain down on the War Doctor’s further adventures but now his origin story can finally be told.

You can hear an extract of Jonathan Carley as the War Doctor on the Doctor Who Facebook and Twitter pages.

Actor Jonathon Carley said:

“I honestly can’t tell you how much of a privilege and an honour it is to not only be working with the incredibly talented team at Big Finish but also to be playing the War Doctor. It is more than I could ever have expected.

“Stepping into the sturdy boots of a character established by the late, great Sir John Hurt would be a challenge for any actor. But the team have been so supportive and creative in their approach to exploring further facets of this complex incarnation.

“This is a cracking set of stories so it will be wonderful to put a spotlight on the rarely glimpsed early life of the War Doctor and the trials he faces, finding his new place in the Time War. I hope listeners are as eager to embrace that journey as I am.”

Big Finish creative director Nicholas Briggs added:

“Jonathon is a real find. Many will be familiar with the uncanny accuracy of his War Doctor vocals from various online projects. But there’s more to a good performance than just an impersonation. You need imagination, emotion, sensitivity… essentially, great acting!

“I worked really closely with John Hurt on our original The War Doctor releases, and although directing him in what amounted to a mere twelve hours of finished production is perhaps not enough for me to dare to lay claim to any genuine closeness to the great man, such was his commitment, charm and openness that he allowed me to feel something of a connection with him. And I can confidently say that what Jonathon is doing here will be a fitting tribute to John, in honour of his great work in the role.”

You can pre-order The War Doctor Begins from Big Finish here.