Blood of the Universe

Blood of the Universe was a six-part story featuring Peter Capaldi as The Twelfth Doctor and Raffey Cassidy as Jayney with Michelle Gomez as Missy. It takes place prodominantly during the aftermath of the finale of The Intergalactic Trials.

Background
The cliffhanger at the end of The Intergalactic Trials finale revealed that Missy was the puppet master behind the events of the entire series, hinting that there was more to the series than intitially revealed.

In a Twitter Q&A shortly after the American debut of the episode, writer Neil Gaiman teased fans that he'd been approached by BBC Wales to participate in the writers' room of a follow up series to The Intergalactic Trials.

The following Christmas, in the place of a Doctor Who special, 'Missy: Queen of Christmas' aired, an animated special featuring the voice of Michelle Gomez as Missy during her reign as the leader of the Trenzalorian town of Christmas, which had previously featured in the festive series Twelve Nights. The BBC officially announced Blood of the Universe during the credits of this episode, set to air in late July.

Steven Moffat confirmed that while he'd be in the writers' room for the new series, he would only head one of six episodes. It was later confirmed that after the critical success of the episode 'Sandstorm', Neil Gaiman would lead the premiere and finale. Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner would return to executive produce.

Peter Jackson would return to direct the premiere, but the remaining five episodes would be directed by notable Doctor Who director, Rachel Talalay.

Returning cast members from the previous series include Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart. Steve Coogan and Andy Serkis both confirmed they would not be back, while Thompson and Walters revealed their roles had been reduced due to work conflicts.

Casting additions for the series were Jemma Redgrave and Ingrid Oliver as Kate Stewart and Osgood respectively, suggesting the return of UNIT. Oliver confirmed on Twitter she'd only be playing 1 Osgood in the series and the absence of the other would be addressed in some way she assumed.

Toby Whithouse and Catherine Tregenna both confirmed they would not be involved in the series and the BBC announced that TV writer Sarah Phelps would take both their places. It was confirmed she will lead episode 2 solo and lead episode 5 alongside Neil Gaiman.

A trailer premiered in April, confirming that Missy would in fact be the antagonist this series. The title of the series would be called Blood of the Universe.

The first episode premiered the Thursday before broadcast at San Diego Comic Con and was followed by a panel featuring Capaldi, Gomez, Moffat, Phelps, Gatiss and Gaiman.