Eccleston comments on 50th anniversary special return

[Mr Awe]

Allyn Gibson wrote:

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The impression I had was that Eccleston was humoring the interviewer and telling him, without saying so directly, to move on to another subject. Which the interviewer, not picking up on the hint, didn't do.

Good journalists often have to "not pick up on the hint." You don't necessarily accept with what they give you.

Mr Awe

[Mr. Adventure]

I think he's in a bit of a catch-22 because his refusal to discuss the show in any fashion just fuels the mystique and interest in it all. If he discussed it a little people would probably back down. (And yes white knights I know he's not obligated to or whatever)

[Cutter John]

Hes probably just sick and tired of answering that question every time he does an interview.

Its sad that he didn't enjoy playing the part. But what can you do? He strikes me as the sort of actor who doesn't want really want to settle into one role anyway, but instead keep pushing himself with new jobs and new challenges, and never look back.

Still a shame though.

[diankra]

I think he enjoyed playing the part, he just didn't enjoy some aspects of how it was made.

[DWF]

I too doubt that Eccleston will return but it's a shame that we'll never know his insights about the show and role of the Doctor.

[The Mirrorball Man]

Because we like TV series and all kinds of ongoing entertainement, most of us in geek circles don't always understand that part of the appeal of being an actor is that you get to play all kinds of different parts and work with all kinds of different people. Playing the same character over and over again is not the kind of thing most actors are looking forward to when they follow their calling.

[Mr. Adventure]

Cutter John wrote:

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Hes probably just sick and tired of answering that question every time he does an interview.

Or not answering.

[Candlelight]

I think a lot of people expect actors to take on the role to embrace it, promote it and be part of the show that's been around for nearly half a century.

Eccleston simply saw it for what it was; an acting role. A job. Nothing more.

[The Lensman]

Candlelight wrote:

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I think a lot of people expect actors to take on the role to embrace it, promote it and be part of the show that's been around for nearly half a century.

Eccleston simply saw it for what it was; an acting role. A job. Nothing more.

Exactly, which is why I don't rule out a return. He's an actor, it's a gig. He'll get a paycheck, and it'll be a one off thing that he'll never need to return to again. He couldn't buy the kind of media attention the Who anniversary will be generating. Especially with how big Who is getting in the states. It's win\win for everyone.

[The Mirrorball Man]

The Lensman wrote:

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He couldn't buy the kind of media attention the Who anniversary will be generating.

I really don't think he's after media attention.

[JoeZhang]

Plus he's constantly in demand as it is - and going back to who isn't going to make much of a difference to his profile - I mean he's the bad guy in the next Thor movie - more people are going to see that than Doctor Who.

[Relayer1]

I think that with the change in 'management' there's a chance he'll do it. I'd be delighted if Tenant and McGann did too...

[MacLeod]

Let's face it the question of who will be appearing in the 50th Anniversary past Docotrs/companions etc.. will be circulating until the details leak (or it airs if it doesn't leak) but lets face it the red tops are likely to camp someone outside to get pictures.

[Captaindemotion]

If Eccleston does it, I don't think it will be down to publicity, keeping fans happy or any of those things - it will be because he wants to do it. Simple as. So, not knowing the guy's mind, I have no idea whether or not it will happen. I just hope he does want to do it!

[Itisnotlogical]

I'm rather saddened to learn that he didn't enjoy his tenure as the Doctor and has no plans to revisit the role. I loved his portrayal of the character, and some of my favorite episodes of the new series were during Season 1. I'm extremely curious as to what so turned him off to the role. As others have said though, I imagine he simply didn't enjoy being part of a franchise which actors are generally expected to revisit ("The Three Doctors", "The Five Doctors", "School Reunion", "Time Crash", various spoiler-y things related to companions in the new series, etc.)