Creature Design Shines in Doctor Who Spinoff

The Doctor Who universe is expanding with the 2026 release of the spinoff series, The War Between the Land and the Sea. This new show will feature the Homo Aqua, formerly known as Sea Devils, with a creature design that emphasizes their deep connection to Earth's history. Millennium FX CEO Neill Gorton explained that the Homo Aqua are not aliens in the traditional Doctor Who sense but are indigenous species that predated humanity, making them closely related to the Silurians.

This unique origin required the design team to ensure the Homo Aqua appeared as if they had naturally evolved on Earth, incorporating familiar yet supernatural elements, with a noticeable turtle-like influence and a prehistoric, almost dinosaurian aesthetic. The original design laid the groundwork, but Millennium FX refined it to achieve a visually stunning result. The series, airing in 2026, has already received critical acclaim in the UK, generating excitement for its arrival on Disney+ in the United States.

While Doctor Who itself is slated for a 2026 return, beginning with a Christmas special, this spinoff offers a different tone, potentially appealing to older audiences. This creative direction is seen as beneficial for the franchise's longevity. Following the end of its co-production deal with Disney at the close of 2025, the BBC is now the sole financier for new Doctor Who projects, though Disney+ will continue to stream The War Between the Land and the Sea. An official release date for the spinoff has not yet been announced, but anticipation remains high.