Ncuti Gatwa, renowned for his portrayal of the Fifteenth Doctor in BBC’s Doctor Who, is set to star in the upcoming satirical black comedy film The Roses. Directed by Jay Roach and penned by Tony McNamara, the film is a reimagining of the 1989 classic The War of the Roses, based on Warren Adler’s 1981 novel. The Roses is scheduled for release on August 29, 2025, through Searchlight Pictures.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman as the central couple, Theo and Ivy Rose, whose seemingly perfect marriage unravels amidst professional and personal turmoil. The cast also includes Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao, and Sunita Mani.

Gatwa’s involvement in The Roses comes amid reports of his departure from Doctor Who. Speculation arose that declining ratings and divisive storylines led to Gatwa’s exit, though the BBC maintains it was a planned and amicable departure. His final appearance as the Doctor is set for May 31, 2025, in the two-part series finale titled “Wish World” and “The Reality War,” which will be screened in UK cinemas and broadcast on BBC One.

Amid this pivotal career transition, Gatwa also made headlines for stepping down from presenting the UK’s jury scores at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” The BBC announced his replacement by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor shortly before the event. The withdrawal occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s participation in the contest, though Gatwa has not publicly commented on the reasons for his decision.

With a major Hollywood project on the horizon, Gatwa is poised to broaden his impact beyond British television.