Renowned writer and showrunner Steven Moffat, known for his work on popular TV series like Doctor Who and Sherlock, recently previewed his latest project Douglas is Cancelled, starring Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillan. Moffat revealed that at one point, he considered turning the script into a movie, given his experience as a co-writer on Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin. With Gillan on board, the idea of a big-screen adaptation seemed plausible.
During the preview of the first two episodes at BFI Southbank’s NFT2, Moffat humorously commented on what the TV series would have been like as a movie, suggesting that it would be never-ending. However, he expressed concerns about the viability of such a film in the current cinematic landscape, citing the dominance of superhero movies and the lack of space for character-driven dramas. Moffat’s apprehensions about the film’s potential release ultimately deterred him from pursuing a theatrical version of Douglas is Cancelled.
The series features a talented cast, including Karen Gillan, Alex Kingston, and Ben Miles, with an established style reminiscent of shows like Succession. While the premise of an aging TV news anchor facing career jeopardy due to a social media incident may seem formulaic, the performances of the cast members, particularly Gillan, add depth to the narrative. Moffat’s decision to adapt the story for television rather than film appears to have enriched the characters and their dynamics, creating a compelling viewing experience for audiences.
The convergence of TV and cinema is evident in the trend of screening TV shows in cinemas, with shows like His Dark Materials and Star Wars: Asokha receiving such treatment. The allure of watching TV on the big screen adds a sense of eventfulness to the medium, blurring the lines between TV and movies. While the distinction between the two forms of entertainment may be diminishing, the essence of true cinema as an art form remains distinct from the broader, more accessible nature of television.
Despite the growing similarities between TV and cinema, Moffat’s Douglas is Cancelled feels tailored for television, with its story and characters finding a comfortable home in the episodic format. While the series may have potential as a “small cinema” project, its essence as “big TV” shines through on television screens. Viewers can look forward to the remaining episodes of Douglas is Cancelled, set to air on ITV and ITVX in the UK on 27 June 2024, as Moffat continues to captivate audiences with his storytelling prowess and knack for character-driven narratives.
