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While fans wait for news about the next incarnation of long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who — which ended its most recent season with a surprise regeneration and potential new lead actor — the BBC has unveiled an unexpected announcement that might suggest further twists are on their way.

The BBC is working on a pre-school animated series based on Doctor Who for its CBeebies network that will “run independently from the main show,” according to the network. (In other words: don't expect it to feature the same Doctor.)

The show is not in production yet, with the BBC’s announcement also acting as an invitation for animation houses to pitch to co-produce the show. “This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format,” said Patricia Hidalgo, BBC director of children’s and education in a statement. “This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK’s animation industry.”

In a move that just might have wider consequences down the line, the show is being produced without any input or contribution from Disney+, per reports; this comes after rumors that Disney is not looking to continue its co-production and international distribution agreement with the BBC over the Doctor Who property, which included the last two seasons of the show and the upcoming spin-off miniseries The War Between The Land and The Sea.

Officially, no decision was expected from Disney+ until after the completion of the second season, with the final decision reliant on viewership for the two seasons combined. According to rumor, the BBC is already discussing partnerships with new potential production partners for future seasons; unusually, the last season of the show ended with no announcement of an upcoming Christmas special or return date, heightening speculation about the show’s future.

Doctor Who is available on BBC iPlayer in the UK and, for now, Disney+ internationally.

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