Christopher Eccleston refuses to return for Doctor Who's 50th anniversary

[heisenberg]

When Doctor Who series six premiered in New York a few weeks ago, one of the biggest questions asked was "Are there any plans for Doctor Who's 50th anniversary?" All it took was one rueful smile from Moffat to know he's got something big in mind.
Let's just hope his plan didn't involve ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston.
It seems the same question was on Graham Norton's mind when he asked Eccleston on his Radio 2 show whether the well-known British actor might consider returning to the iconic role he took up in 2005. His response?

"No. Never bathe in the same river twice."​

As words go, those feel pretty final.

:s why did he leave in the first place? I actually didn't mind Chris,he was quite a good doctor.


http://blastr.com/2011/05/christopher-eccelston-ref.php

 

[Tropicana]

Back then, he stated he no longer wants to play the Doctor, cos he doesn't want to be recognised as solely being the Time Lord, so he left.

 

[heisenberg]

Back then, he stated he no longer wants to play the Doctor, cos he doesn't want to be recognised as solely being the Time Lord, so he left.

funny, tennant said the same thing

 

[Overmind One]

So, Christopher "Time Lord" Eccleston doesnt want to be typecast? Wouldnt want to mess up his chance at leading man in Trek or Avatar or Batman or Spiderman, now would we?

 

[Aragon101]

So, Christopher "Time Lord" Eccleston doesnt want to be typecast? Wouldnt want to mess up his chance at leading man in Trek or Avatar or Batman or Spiderman, now would we?

A man who does it for the art rather than the paycheck. they do exist i've been told

 

[shavedape]

The question was vague enough that it implies a full return to the role. CE's response is understandable in that context. If it was in reference to making a guest appearance in a 50th anniversary episode then I find it a little odd that the guy is so averse to it. The guy needs to lighten up if that's the case, after all, it's not like he's that big of a star that he should be turning his nose up at the role he's best known for. I mean, think about it, the guy starred in "G.I. Joe -- The Rise of Cobra" which we all know was a huge hit that is destined to be a classic right up there with "Citizen Cane". :roll: It's not like he's a modern day Laurence Olivier.

 

[Red Mage]

I don't see why he couldn't do it for a major milestone like the 50th anniversary episode. I respect his decision for not doing it. I understand that he doesn't want to be typecast but doing a single anniversary episode is hardly going to make all of his future movie and TV opportunities only see him only as The Doctor.

 

[Tripler]

It is very sad that he is not interested in doing the 50th . I thought he was an awesome Dr Who and I wished he had done a few more years . He is an excellent actor . He is quite interesting in 27 Days . He plays a bit of a twisted basturd in that movie !

 

[heisenberg]

It is very sad that he is not interested in doing the 50th . I thought he was an awesome Dr Who and I wished he had done a few more years . He is an excellent actor . He is quite interesting in 27 Days . He plays a bit of a twisted basturd in that movie !

You mean 28 days later don't you?

 

[O Wildish]

sounds sadly famillar, so dose this mean be's going to be the 2013 answer to Tom Baker

 

[Illiterati]

I loved Eccleston's Doctor, and was disgusted when the BBC, in a move worthy of a clue by four, announced early on in his Doctorhood that he had only been signed to play the Doctor for a year's time.

He's been a fun character actor for years, however, performing everything from humor to dead serious stuff.

 

[Leo(T.C.K.)]

I think there were certain disagreements between him and the team, that's why he didn't want to return, at least that's the impression I had. But who knows, he might change his mind just for the anniversary.