Big Finish closing the costuming gap between Eight and Nine?

[23skidoo]

Here's an interesting story. During a convention this weekend Paul McGann unveiled the Eighth Doctor's new costume, which will be used in future promotions for Big Finish's ongoing Eighth Doctor stories.

http://gallifreynewsbase.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-eighth-doctor-costume-revealed.html

This isn't the first time Big Finish has revised the Doctor's outfit. Previously, the company allowed the Sixth Doctor to ditch the clown suit in favor of a blue outfit (visible on some CD covers and the Real Time webcast story), although at some point he must have changed back since he's back in the clown suit by the time he regenerates.

What I find interesting is Eight's new outfit has more than a few things in common (at first glance) with the outfit worn by the Ninth Doctor. I don't expect Big Finish to take on the task of covering the Time War or anything (their licence I don't believe allows them to touch on any concepts created for the revival, though I could be wrong). But it's still cool to see them "closing the gap" and updating the Eighth Doctor's look, especially since, if the books and audios are counted, he's now the longest-running Doctor of them all. Hopefully they'll keep McGann's haircut and beard as seen here, too. (They might - most images of the Eighth Doctor that Big Finish has used to this point have been derived from the 1996 movie, so if they're going to update his costume they may as well update his whole general look.)

Alex

 

[Mr. Adventure]

It's too bad he got the shaft so bad initially. It'd be cool if they had a Eighth Doctor Adventure for the Doctor-lite story each season.

 

[Jax]

Its a pity RTD/BBC didn't have the balls to launch the 2005 Doctor Who with McGann because Chris left after a season so what was the point really. RTD could of just changed The 8th Doctor to match what he wanted in the character.

From the pics McGann could pull an episode or two as the 8th Doctor, come on BBC/Moffat.

 

[The]

Pretty damn cool! I'm glad they've gone full "blue" as his primary color, rather than that weird green/blue velvet jacket he was wearing.

I, too, like the beard and short hair! I think it really works for his Doctor, especially given that he eventually fought in the Time War. The screwdriver looks a little silly, though. But, who cares?

Hell, maybe this is a minor prep to see if he could be viable for the screen? Can I wish really, really hard?

 

[Shazam!]

McGann still looks brilliant. It's almost insane that they haven't used the 8th Doctor in the TV series yet.

 

[Bones2]

Bloody Big Finish. The 8th Doctor's costume is well established, and they're only bloody audio anyway. You don't want the 8th Doctor looking like the 9th because they're different bloody Doctors. Pertwee didn't put on a long scarf for his last season.

I'd also like to agree with those who are greatly disappointed McGann wasn't used for the new show. But then, with the council estate-based chav-loving shite that blighted so much of Eccleston's series, I'd rather not have the wonderful 8th Doctor debased in that way. Imagine poor McGann having to be in Aliens of London. It would make the TV Movie look like Caves of Androzani by comparison.

 

[wamdue]

McGann still looks brilliant. It's almost insane that they haven't used the 8th Doctor in the TV series yet.

I agree witht his, can he reallynot pop up on either Doctor Who or even SJA?

Not sure why they need to give him a new outfit however, and I dont see how it links him to the 9th Doctor anymore than he already is.

Truth is we have a pretty good idea on how the regeneration happened already, and if BF was to make a pre Time War story, it should be a story where the Time Lords are trying to contact the Doctor, before forcing his return him at the end, for a reason not mention in the plot (it would also be the final story for any non Time Lord companions he has), but the listener is giving enough hints to know that he has been bought back to Galifery to fight in the Time War.

 

[Worf2DS9]

I guess that means the things I've read about this current BF season being Eight's last is incorrect -- or at least not meant to be taken quite so literally. Perhaps it's the last season of the continuing adventures as the Doctor is now, but it now heralds the beginning of a new set of adventures that includes his new costume.

I really liked Eight's "real" costume, which I thought had become part of his unique character and also seemed to suit his TARDIS "desktop pattern". That said, as an Indiana Jones fan, I like the satchel, though what would the Doctor keep in there? Usually the only accessory he ever needs in any given situation is his brain and his sonic screwdriver, which he could easily keep in a pocket. I like the hair, but I'd like to think the beard won't be part of his new look. More likely McGann just didn't bother to shave it before his appearance at the event. I am looking forward to seeing the final promotional images whenever they're completed.

 

[StCoop]

I guess that means the things I've read about this current BF season being Eight's last is incorrect -- or at least not meant to be taken quite so literally.

It's the last as a seperate series, he's getting folded back into the main range. (And as one of those people who think BF bring out far too much stuff, it's a change I'm happy with.)

Given McGann's well known hatred of his TVM wig/costume I've long thought that BF should have just made their own rather than being stuck using the same half-a-dozen photos over and over.

 

[Bones2]

^
This "well known hatred" is a complete myth.

 

[davejames]

I think it looks good... but I still prefer the original look. This Doctor has always been regarded as the "romantic" one, and his costume (and hair) fit that perfectly, and really made him unique.

That being said, of course, I do look forward to seeing the new 8th Doctor action figure.

 

[The]

^
This "well known hatred" is a complete myth.

That's not really true. I've read interviews where he talks about the glue for his wig caused a severe rash on his head (which in turn cut into any immediate gigs coming up). He said it would take "a lot of money" to get him into a wig again...

 

[Bones2]

They'd use a better bloody wig I imagine. Or he can grow his hair out. Presumably it was his own hair for Withnail, and a few more inches on that would look very Eighth Doctor.

 

[The]

Sure, if he wanted long hair. But, at his age, I doubt he likes to keep it that long. He always said he wanted to have a haircut like Eccleston. In fact, that's the whole reason he had to wear a wig, because he shaved his head before going to film. The producers, wanting a "conventional" Doctor look freaked and gave him the wig.

Like I've said many times before, if McGann ever came back to our screens, not only would he not have the long hair, I wouldn't want him to have it. It would just look weird now. Like putting a curly-blonde wig on Colin or something.

Besides, the beauty of McGann's open tenure is that they can really do anything to his look and age, and it will still work with what we have already seen...

 

[Allyn Gibson]

I've seen the pictures of McGann in the new coat.

I don't like the new coat.

He'd look better in a Captain Jack-style greatcoat.

 

[Bones2]

Sure, if he wanted long hair. But, at his age, I doubt he likes to keep it that long. He always said he wanted to have a haircut like Eccleston. In fact, that's the whole reason he had to wear a wig, because he shaved his head before going to film. The producers, wanting a "conventional" Doctor look freaked and gave him the wig.

Like I've said many times before, if McGann ever came back to our screens, not only would he not have the long hair, I wouldn't want him to have it. It would just look weird now. Like putting a curly-blonde wig on Colin or something.

Besides, the beauty of McGann's open tenure is that they can really do anything to his look and age, and it will still work with what we have already seen...

That's what McGann's Doctor is. The hair is part of the romantic, slightly gothic man-out-of-time look. I'd hate for him to become a miner from down the pit like Eccleston.

 

[Captain Crow]

This "new" costume reminds me of (especially the photo of him infront of the white wall) one of those prats who takes their laptop in a man bag to Starbucks or some other trendy coffee place to sponge off their free Wi-Fi access.

 

[The]

This "new" costume reminds me of (especially the photo of him infront of the white wall) one of those prats who takes their laptop in a man bag to Starbucks or some other trendy coffee place to sponge off their free Wi-Fi access.

Which screams The 90's to me! That's why it works so well for his Doc (to me).

I'd hate for him to become a miner from down the pit like Eccleston.

You know Sci is going to have a field day with this comment....

 

[wamdue]

you know ive been wondering if the future should have a bag, like mine or the 8th Doctors, but doesnt it take away from the "pockets" and the pockets being bigger on the inside gag.

Plus people will take the bag off of him, and he will have to keep rescuing it.

 

[Bones2]

I'd hate for him to become a miner from down the pit like Eccleston.

You know Sci is going to have a field day with this comment....

Can't wait.

you know ive been wondering if the future should have a bag, like mine or the 8th Doctors, but doesnt it take away from the "pockets" and the pockets being bigger on the inside gag.

Plus people will take the bag off of him, and he will have to keep rescuing it.

The Doctor will carry a bag when Julian Clary gets the role.