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The BBC has announced it will mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who with a one-off TV movie detailing the real-life origins of the science fiction show, which was first broadcast on Nov. 23, 1963.

The film will be penned by regular Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss. “I’ve wanted to tell this story for more years than I can remember!” Gatiss said. “To make it happen for Doctor Who‘s 50th birthday is quite simply a dream come true.” Meanwhile, current Doctor Who executive producer Steven Moffat said, “The story of Doctor Who is the story of television — so it’s fitting in the anniversary year that we make our most important journey back in time to see how the Tardis was launched.”

According to BBC News, the film will examine how the first actor to play the Doctor, William Hartnell, transitioned from hard-man roles to become what Gatiss described as “a hero to millions of children.” Further details about the production, including casting, will be confirmed next year.

The new season of Doctor Who will debut on BBC America later this summer.

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