Doctor Who's upcoming cinema release confirmed to feature new specially shot footage with "familiar face"

There's now just over a week until Doctor Who fans will get to see The Satan Pit Extended Cut in cinemas, and it seems they will be getting an extra treat when they do so.

We already knew that the new feature-length edit of 2006 episodes The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit would feature deleted scenes and alternate shots, but it has now been revealed that there will also be a "specially shot" sequence included before it begins.

This news was revealed in the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, with the publication reporting: "Before the adventure gets underway, audiences will be treated to something specially shot; a lighter, more playful moment featuring a familiar face."

It is unclear exactly what this introductory footage will entail or who the familiar face will be - however, stars such as David Tennant or Billie Piper would likely be good guesses.

We do know that the screening will feature an exclusive interview with the director of the episodes, James Strong, reflecting on the making of the 2006 story, but it is unclear if this is the introduction that is referenced.

In Doctor Who Magazine's feature on the Extended Cut, it was revealed that deleted scenes included in the edit will see the base crew going about their routine in more detail and interacting before the Beast awakens, while we'll also see more of David Tennant's Doctor and Claire Rushbrook's Ida Scott exploring the centre of Krop Tor.

The film will not only be in cinemas on 23 November, Doctor Who Day, but Encore screenings have also now been added for Saturday 28 November.

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When the Extended Cut was first announced, Natasha Spence, global events director at BBC Studios, said in a statement: "Part of what makes Doctor Who so extraordinary is that there is always more to discover.

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"Even with a story as loved as The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit, we’re able to offer fans something they haven’t experienced before, with previously deleted scenes restored into the adventure and never-before-seen extended footage included in this special cinema cut.

"Doctor Who Day is the perfect moment to celebrate that sense of discovery with fans. We’re delighted to be working with CinemaLive again to bring this unforgettable Tenth Doctor and Rose story to the big screen, and to give audiences the chance to experience it together in cinemas for the first time."

The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine is available to purchase now.

Doctor Who: The Satan Pit Extended Cut will be in cinemas on Monday 23 November 2026.

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Authors

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.