A trailer for the final episodes of Doctor Who season 12 reveals a new design for the classic villains, the Cybermen. The return of the evil cyborg enemies has been teased since the long-running BBC sci-fi series aired its first trailer for the current run of episodes. First, though, fans were treated to an Earth-shattering twist that introduced the first black incarnation of The Doctor, and the long-awaited return of Captain Jack Harkness. It’s been an eventful season for the time-traveling space adventurer, played by Jodi Whittaker. With the arrival of the Cybermen on the horizon, it looks like her troubles have only just begun.
The Cybermen made their first appearance in 1966, and their original design was a reflection of the era in which they were created. Like many of the original Doctor Who aliens, the first iteration of the cyborgs were just actors in cheaply made robot costumes. They returned a few years later with an updated look (and a new origin), a trend that would continue with every new appearance they made on the series. When they reappeared most recently, in 2017, the Cybermen were intentionally modeled after the 1966 designs, down to the cheesy costumes. The Doctor’s last interaction with the Cybermen ended in the loss of the twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi), and they haven’t been seen since. However, an ominous warning from Harkness cautions the Doctor and her companions to beware of “the Lone Cyberman.”
A new trailer for the remaining season 12 episodes, released on YouTube, reveals the first glimpse of the Lone Cyberman - a rusted and battered design that looks similar to the bulky Mark 1 Iron Man armor from the first Iron Man film. There are a few shots of the Lone Cyberman in the trailer, starting with the battle-damaged being walking through the aftermath of an explosion. It’s hard to get a clear look at the costume through all the smoke. Thankfully, the trailer cuts to a close-up of the mask in all its rusty glory. Take a look for yourself:
This current revamp of the Cybermen doesn’t differ that much from the 2013 designs. The bodies look nearly identical, but there’s definitely been more bulk added to the head, giving them a sturdier appearance. In the past, the reintroduction of the Cybermen also came with some additional abilities for the deadly cyborgs, but it remains to be seen if the Lone Cyberman has any unique powers making him an even deadlier threat. With or without some disturbing new abilities, the Lone Cyberman looks to be a powerful foe. “Don’t give it what it wants,” Harkness warns in the trailer’s final moments.
Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall has done a phenomenal job breathing new life into the series since taking over in season 11. His handling of the first female Doctor (Whittaker), the return of the Doctor’s long-time enemy, The Master, and now the impending threat of the Lone Cyberman has proven Chibnall to be a worthy replacement for (previous showrunner) Steven Moffat. No matter how the return of the Cybermen plays out for the Doctor and her companions, fans of the series are in for an action-packed showdown.
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Source: YouTube
