Russell T. Davies is bringing Torchwood to the New World in the series’ fourth season to be carried by Starz. This reboot entitled Torchwood: The New World, will “follow a CIA agent (Rex) and analyst (Ester) who tackle an alien-related global issue.” With the original Torchwood team disbanded as it was at the end of the mini-series Torchwood: Children of Earth last summer, the underground alien-fighting force is “like a legend now … it’s like something that’s ceased to exist and is now spoken of only in whispers.” Rex Matheson and Ester will team up with Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) and Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles) for this fourth season. The roles of Rex and Ester have yet to be cast.
Davies describes the dynamic for the reboot:
“The two teams coming together is a big part of the story — are they friends or enemies? There’s a lot of sparks and excitement.”
Executive producer Julie Gardner elaborates on the premise of this season:
“We definitely have a really big story to tell. It’s absolutely rebooted to welcome in a new audience.”
There will be ten episodes in a fast-paced, self-contained storyline along the same lines as the acclaimed mini-series Children of Earth. Originally, Davies had not intended for Torchwood to continue past Children of Earth, but it was so well received that he changed his mind. This fourth season will take place in both the UK and the US.
According to a press release from Starz, “the new series will allow Davies and his writing team to tell a more explosive and global story, one that takes advantage of the unlimited narrative opportunities of a premium television service like Starz.”
Also confirmed to return is Rhys Williams, played by Kai Owen who will be along for the ride with his and Gwen’s baby in tow. James Marsters will unfortunately not be in this ten ep season, but there’s always a chance for his Captain John Hart to be included in future seasons.
Season four writers include Davies, of course, along with John Shiban (Breaking Bad, Supernatural), Doris Egan (House, Tru Calling), Jane Espenson (Game of Thrones, BSG, Buffy), and John Fay (UK Torchwood). Filming will begin on the Starz- BBC co-production in January in Wales. Starz has Torchwood: The New World slated for a summer premiere in 2011.
Check out these two new posters for the series:
