Alexander Devrient On The War Between The Land And The Sea: ‘It’s Epic’

There’s no Doctor Who Christmas special this year, but we have a festive treat from elsewhere in the universe thanks to Russell T Davies. Across five gripping episodes, The War Between the Land and the Sea showcases how the world reacts when an ancient species climbs out of the ocean and presents itself to the modern world. There’s a star-studded cast led by Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jemma Redgrave, who reprises her familiar Whoniverse role as UNIT boss Kate Lethbridge-Stewart.

Also reprising his role is Alexander Devrient, who stars as UNIT soldier Colonel Ibrahim in this sci-fi epic, which he teases also has ‘an important environmental message behind it’. We sat down with the star to get the inside scoop on the series.

‘The War Between the Land and the Sea is a big sci-fi epic that the whole family can enjoy together over the festive period.’ (© Marina Castells)

Q&A: Alexander Devrient

Hi Alexander, how’s life going at the moment? 

Good, thanks. Life’s full-on in the best way: we’ve got a four-month-old at home, and The War Between the Land and the Sea is about to drop. Switching between dad mode and actor mode is a bit of a workout, but even with the lack of sleep, I’m really loving this moment.

The War Between the Land and the Sea starts this weekend. How are you feeling about the show finally coming to our screens?

I am buzzing! It’s been around 18 months since I first read the scripts and now it’s go time. I got to see the first two episodes at our private screening and the atmosphere in the room was electric. I can’t wait for everyone to discover it! 

Tell us a bit about what we can expect.

I mean, where to begin? It’s a big sci-fi epic that the whole family can enjoy together over the festive period. Just make sure you have enough snacks ready as you won’t want to leave your sofa. Trust me, I speak from experience. In a nutshell, expect epic stunts, super cool production design, amazing special effects and makeup and a fantastic cast. 

How did it feel when you heard about the show?

I first heard about it in early 2024 when I got to read a few episodes. I was instantly hooked. It doesn’t follow your traditional sci-fi, adventure, hero story. There are lots of twists and turns and it has such an important environmental message behind it. 

‘Ibrahim and Kate have endured many battles over the years.’ (BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)

You are reprising your Doctor Who role Colonel Ibrahim. Tell us a bit about him, and what he’s got in store in this spin-off.

For those who don’t know, he’s a high-ranking officer within UNIT. He’s always close to Commander-in-Chief Kate Lethbridge-Stewart [Jemma Redgrave], ready to protect her at all times. They’ve endured many battles over the years, and that’s built a deep sense of loyalty and trust – something the spin-off explores even further when they find themselves thrust into an apocalyptic situation once again. Where do the lines get blurred between Colonel Christofer Ibrahim the soldier and Christofer Ibrahim the civilian? 

What is it like playing him, and do you do anything special to get into character?

We’ve been on a journey together since 2022, when we started filming the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials. There’s something very comforting in his sense of discipline and duty. Whenever the world around him collapses, he stands his ground. But going one step further, it’s been really interesting to look beyond the stern military man to the human inside. How does his mind work when he’s not on duty? How much does he allow himself to feel within the framework of his rigid mental conditioning? Those are the types of questions I got to explore further in the spinoff.

As far as getting into character, I found that putting his boots on would always ground me into his world. These big, chunky military boots. They make you walk and run differently, it was an instant change for me. 

What was the cast dynamic like on set?

Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better cast! I know actors always say that, but it’s genuinely true – ask anyone who was there. An amazing ensemble of actors led by three heavyweights of the industry: Russel Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jemma Redgrave. 

Any standout moments from filming?

Seeing Gugu appear for the first time as Salt was spectacular – flanked by her two Homo Aqua protectors, standing opposite us in a secret, nighttime negotiation scene. It took her hours in the makeup chair to get into costume each time!

‘The fans are incredibly knowledgeable.’ (BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon)

Any cool sets or filming locations you are excited for fans to see?

Empress Hall was a sight to behold. It was built within the Bad Wolf Studios in Cardiff. It’s where the negotiations take place between the humans and Homo Aqua. The set was ginormous, with this huge green-screen water tank on one side and space for all the generals, military folk and high-ranking diplomats on the other. 200 people and that’s excluding the crew. It was scenic immersion at its best. 

You’re not a British native, but did you know about Doctor Who growing up or before you were cast in the series?

Not really, no. I grew up in Brussels with a German dad and a Lebanese mom. We watched French and German TV but no Doctor Who. That all came later after moving to England. 

What has it been like to join the universe, especially with its hugely loyal following?

Delving into the Whoniverse has been a steep yet positive learning curve. There is so much history to uncover. The fans are incredibly knowledgeable; I’ve had lots of interesting exchanges with them regarding the show. Overall, it’s been super positive and I’m excited for everyone to discover The War Between the Land and the Sea.

What has been your favourite project to date?

They’ve all been so inherently different, it’s hard to choose. But our runs of The Jungle in the West End, New York and San Francisco will always have a special place in my heart. It was a show directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin and written by Joe Robertson and Joe Murphy. At the centre of the story were the residents of the Jungle – refugees from all over the world who found themselves in Calais after the most arduous journeys, hoping to cross the Channel to the UK. It was a story of loss, resilience and hope, humanising the plight of people who too often appear only as numbers in the news.

Any other roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I’ll actually be diving into my first fully Spanish-speaking production early next year, which I’m really excited about. It’s Sira for AtresMedia, Buendía Estudios and Netflix – a sequel to The Time in Between with Adriana Ugarte returning in the lead. It’s set in a post-World War II world, and it feels like stepping into a completely different universe from the one I’ve lived in for the past three years. I can’t wait.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past? 

I’ve had the joy of working with lots of immensely talented actors over the years. From Oscar and Bafta-winners to untrained diamonds in the rough on their first job. Everyone has something uniquely special to offer – that’s the beauty of our craft. 

Which co-star did you learn the most from? 

I’d argue that you can learn from almost anyone you work with, if you allow yourself to stay open and receive – which isn’t always easy when days are long and the pressure is high. Take Ncuti Gatwa’s effortless charm, Eddie Redmayne’s vulnerability, Joanna Lumley’s comedic timing, and Lars Eidinger’s total fearlessness. Every co-star teaches you something unique.

What’s your dream role? 

Ah, the eternal question… I don’t really have one dream role. It shifts as I get older and change, especially now with fatherhood. I’m drawn to characters with depth and layers, whatever form they take.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with? 

There are so many filmmakers who inspire me, and they span right across the globe. That’s the beauty of art: it transcends borders. Nadine Labaki and Ziad Doueiri’s films have always hit a deep emotional chord; spending every summer in Beirut to visit my grandparents has given me a strong connection to the stories coming out of the region. 

Beyond that, I’m fascinated by what Mike White has created with The White Lotus – the nature of his deeply arrogant yet vulnerable and flawed characters. The same can be said for Jesse Armstrong. Or the incredible worlds Guillermo Del Toro creates each time. I’m going to get carried away here so I’ll stop.

Do you get to spend much time at home? 

It depends on how busy I am and whether I’m filming or not. I took quite a few months off this year to focus on the arrival of our first son and to be there for my wife. It was really nice to stay put for a while and just focus on family. In 15 years as an actor, I’d never taken time off like that. I feel a renewed sense of energy now, despite the sleep deprivation!

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer? 

I’ve always been a city boy so I can’t really comment about living in the countryside. However, my longing for nature is getting stronger and stronger as the years go by. That sounds so cliché but it’s true.

What’s your interior design style? 

We’ve got a good mix of old and new at home – pieces with real emotional value alongside more modern, elegant design. We keep things pretty clear and tidy; too much clutter messes with the brain. But beyond the aesthetics, we just want our space to feel like home.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives? 

Our profession doesn’t allow for a lot of balance, unfortunately. It’s either super full on or there’s nothing. Plus, due to the international nature of my work, I’m often on the go. It’s a juggling act. When I’m home however, I try to be as present as possible. 

How can we all live a little bit better? 

In an ideal world? Less social media, fewer machines, less distraction, more connection among us and with nature. I’m in that process too, forcing myself to leave my phone behind and just focus on the present moment. That constant dopamine release is not good for us!

How will you be celebrating the festive season? 

Back in Belgium with my family and our little baby. We do it like in Germany: only setting up the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and opening the presents that same night. I can’t wait for copious amounts of Lebkuchen, Christmas tea and mulled wine!

‘I’ve had the joy of working with lots of immensely talented actors over the years.’ (© Marina Castells)

What Alexander Devrient Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Six Feet Under – I know, I’m about 20 years behind!

What I’m reading… My Friends by Hisham Matar 

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… DJ Mehdi – Made in France on Arte 

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Palestine 36 

Favourite film of all time… Old Boy, the original South Korean version 

Favourite song of all time… Francis Cabrel’s ‘Ne me quitte pas’

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Mayra Andrade and Joris Voorn 

My ultimate cultural recommendation… People, Places & Things. So worth watching, even at the National Theatre at Home. Denise Gough is spellbinding!

Cultural guilty pleasure… Love is Blind – I get way too into it!

Alexander Devrient stars as Colonel Christofer Ibrahim in The War Between the Land and the Sea, premiering Sunday night at 8.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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