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5 Shocking New Roles David Tennant Is Taking On In 2025 & 2026 (The Unexpected Doctor Who Return)

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The world's most versatile Scottish actor, David Tennant, is not slowing down. As of December 22, 2025, his schedule for the next two years is packed with high-profile projects, from reprising his most beloved demonic role to taking on a villainous turn in a major Netflix film adaptation. Fans are currently buzzing about his confirmed involvement in the final season of a beloved fantasy series and a major new drama, but the biggest question remains: will the Fourteenth Doctor make a shocking return for the 2026 Christmas Special?

This deep dive explores the current, confirmed, and highly speculated projects dominating David Tennant's slate for 2025 and 2026, solidifying his status as one of the hardest-working and most sought-after actors in the industry. The sheer variety of his upcoming roles—spanning cosy crime, political drama, and the final chapter of a celestial bromance—demonstrates the incredible range that has defined his career since his breakout as the Tenth Doctor.

David Tennant: Biography and Key Career Milestones

David Tennant, born David John McDonald on April 18, 1971, in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, is a critically acclaimed actor of stage and screen. He adopted the stage name 'Tennant' from Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys due to another actor already being registered under his birth name. His career is marked by an extraordinary ability to transition between high-concept science fiction, gritty drama, and dark comedy.

Complete Profile:

  • Birth Name: David John McDonald
  • Born: April 18, 1971 (Age 54 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland
  • Spouse: Georgia Tennant (m. 2011)
  • Key Roles: The Tenth Doctor and The Fourteenth Doctor (*Doctor Who*), DI Alec Hardy (*Broadchurch*), Kilgrave (*Jessica Jones*), Crowley (*Good Omens*), Barty Crouch Jr. (*Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire*).
  • Major Recognitions: Numerous nominations and wins from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Emmy Awards, and Laurence Olivier Awards for his work across television and theatre.

Tennant trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). Before his global breakthrough, he was a prolific stage actor, notably starring in a critically acclaimed production of *Hamlet* for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His legacy is now cemented by his two iconic portrayals of the Time Lord and his celebrated partnership with Michael Sheen.

The Confirmed Slate: Good Omens, Rivals, and a Villainous Turn in The Thursday Murder Club

The immediate future sees Tennant taking on three distinct roles that showcase his mastery of different genres. These projects are confirmed and represent some of the most anticipated releases in 2025 and 2026, generating significant topical authority for the actor.

1. The Final Bow as Crowley in Good Omens Season 3

The celestial partnership between the demon Crowley (David Tennant) and the angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) is set to conclude. *Good Omens* Season 3 has been confirmed by Amazon Prime Video and creator Neil Gaiman, with Tennant and Sheen returning for the final act.

The upcoming season will reportedly serve as a feature-length finale, aiming to wrap up the story in a definitive way. Tennant himself has provided updates, confirming the return and a "slight rejig with the personnel," but assuring fans that the glorious dynamic between the two leads remains the core. The conclusion of this series is a massive event for fans of the late Sir Terry Pratchett and Gaiman, promising a powerful and emotional end to the saga of the Apocalypse’s unlikely heroes.

2. The Dodgy Guy: Ian Ventham in The Thursday Murder Club (2025)

One of Tennant's most intriguing upcoming roles is in the Netflix film adaptation of Richard Osman’s bestselling novel, *The Thursday Murder Club*. Tennant is confirmed to play the character of Ian Ventham.

Ventham is described as a "dodgy guy" and a highly successful, yet morally compromised, property developer whose business dealings become central to the cozy crime plot. This role places Tennant alongside a stellar cast including Jonathan Pryce, Naomi Ackie, and Daniel Mays, and gives him a chance to flex his villainous muscles once again, reminiscent of his chilling performance as Kilgrave in *Jessica Jones*.

3. Political Power Play: Lord Tony in Rivals (2026)

Tennant is set to star in the second season of the Hulu/Disney+ series *Rivals*, based on the novel by Jilly Cooper, which is scheduled for release in 2026. He plays the role of Lord Tony, a powerful figure in a world of high-stakes political and media drama.

First-look photos of Tennant as Lord Tony have already been released, showing him immersed in the opulent and tumultuous world of the series. This project allows Tennant to explore the realm of contemporary British political satire and drama, a departure from his more fantastical or purely crime-focused work. The series is expected to be a major international release for Disney+ and Hulu.

The Question That Won't Die: Will David Tennant Return for Doctor Who’s 2026 Christmas Special?

Despite his emotional departure as the Fourteenth Doctor in the 60th-anniversary specials, the speculation about another David Tennant *Doctor Who* comeback is at an all-time high, especially following a major announcement from the BBC.

It has been officially confirmed that a *Doctor Who* Christmas Special will air in 2026, penned by showrunner Russell T Davies. The news of a confirmed special, combined with the fact that Tennant's last return was so unexpected and well-received, has fueled intense fan conviction that he may once again play the Time Lord.

While there is no official confirmation of his casting, the idea of a multiverse or a further bi-generation event has left the door open for the Fourteenth Doctor to reappear. The sheer volume of fan theories—some suggesting a cameo, others a full-episode return—demonstrates the powerful connection Tennant maintains with the franchise. Even if he doesn't appear on-screen, his continued association with the *Doctor Who* universe is strong, with him still involved in various official projects and conventions like Gallifrey One in 2026.

Whether he utters his famous "What? What? WHAT?" line again or simply remains a beloved memory, the possibility of a Tennant return ensures the 2026 Christmas Special will be one of the most talked-about television events of the year. The actor himself has teased a "wee announcement" about a big project, further stirring the pot of speculation about his future roles.

The Topical Authority of David Tennant: A Master of Transformation

David Tennant's sustained success in 2025 and 2026 is a testament to his topical authority and his unique ability to embody vastly different characters. His career is a masterclass in professional range, moving seamlessly from the light-hearted mischief of Crowley to the moral ambiguity of DI Alec Hardy in *Broadchurch*, and now to the outright villainy of Ian Ventham.

His upcoming projects ensure he remains a dominant figure in the entertainment landscape: *Good Omens 3* satisfies the fantasy/comedy fans, *The Thursday Murder Club* appeals to the massive "cozy crime" and Netflix audience, and *Rivals* taps into prestige drama. This strategic mix of roles not only keeps his work fresh but also introduces him to new demographics, ensuring his relevance for years to come. The enduring curiosity around his *Doctor Who* status simply adds another layer of global interest to an already phenomenal career.

david tennant david tennant
david tennant david tennant

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