Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time poster

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time

"One man, one destiny, twice."

Movie 2017 1h 8.0 /10
Directed by Rachel Talalay

As the Twelfth Doctor nears regeneration, a strange time ripple pulls him into a confrontation with his earliest incarnation. The older Doctor clings to a stubborn sense of self and resists change, while a captain, a glass avatar, and a familiar ally join the effort to secure the universe’s... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 29, 2026

About Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time

As the Twelfth Doctor nears regeneration, a strange time ripple pulls him into a confrontation with his earliest incarnation. The older Doctor clings to a stubborn sense of self and resists change, while a captain, a glass avatar, and a familiar ally join the effort to secure the universe’s future. The two doctors team up for a mission that tests what being needed across the centuries truly means. The tone blends brisk humor with genuine warmth, letting memory and duty collide without dulling the sense of wonder that has long defined the Doctor. It becomes a celebration of identity, friendship, and the show’s enduring optimism.

Directed by Rachel Talalay, this 2017 Doctor Who Christmas special was written by Steven Moffat. It features Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor and David Bradley as the First Doctor, bridging eras within the long running series.

Fans praised the reunion of two Doctors and the brave return of the First Doctor in live action. The episode left a lasting impression with striking images such as the glass avatar and the Captain, shaping fan art and conversation about the show's history.

Critics welcomed its warmth and humor and highlighted the emotional core. The story treats identity as something to carry forward not discard, and it asks whether a long running hero can reinvent what it means to be needed. The message feels timely and hopeful.

Details

Release Date
December 25, 2017
Runtime
1h
User Ratings
129 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Science Fiction, Adventure
Country
United Kingdom
Studio
BBC
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Peter Capaldi

Peter Capaldi

The Doctor (12)

David Bradley

David Bradley

The Doctor (1)

Mark Gatiss

Mark Gatiss

The Captain

Pearl Mackie

Pearl Mackie

Bill Potts

Nikki Amuka-Bird

Nikki Amuka-Bird

The Glass Woman

Toby Whithouse

Toby Whithouse

German Soldier

Lily Travers

Lily Travers

Polly

Jared Garfield

Jared Garfield

Ben

Jenna Coleman

Jenna Coleman

Clara Oswald

Matt Lucas

Matt Lucas

Nardole

Director: Rachel Talalay

Written by: Steven Moffat

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time is not currently available on streaming subscription services, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Yes, you can buy on Amazon Video.

With a rating of 8.0/10 from 129 viewers, Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time is highly recommended and considered excellent by most viewers.

As the Twelfth Doctor nears regeneration, a strange time ripple pulls him into a confrontation with his earliest incarnation. The older Doctor clings to a stubborn sense of self and resists change, while a captain, a glass avatar, and a familiar ally join the effort to secure the universe’s futur...

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time stars Peter Capaldi, David Bradley, Mark Gatiss, Pearl Mackie, and Nikki Amuka-Bird.

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time was directed by Rachel Talalay.

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time was released on December 25, 2017.

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time is a Science Fiction and Adventure film.

David Bradley plays the First Doctor in this special. He appears alongside Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor as the two incarnations interact.

Peter Capaldi portrays the Twelfth Doctor. The story centers on his regeneration arc and his encounter with his first incarnation.

Mark Gatiss plays The Captain. He appears in the adventure alongside the two Doctors.

Pearl Mackie plays Bill Potts. She appears in this special as Bill Potts.