Nearly 20 years after theDoctor Whorevival, Eighth Doctor actor Paul McGann reflects on not being asked back for the show’s 2005 return, despite early speculation that he might reprise his iconic role. McGann’s Doctor was initially introduced in the 1996 TV movie and served as the bridge between the classic and modern eras of the iconic sci-fi series. The movie was an attempt to relaunch the series after its cancellation in 1989. However, while McGann’s portrayal was generally well-received, the movie did not create enough interest to launch a new TV series.
In an interview withDoctor WhoMagazine, McGann shared that he had heard rumors of the show’s return circulating, and was waiting for the call to be included.McGann reveals he hoped to return to film a regeneration sceneinto the Ninth Doctor, but was never asked. Read his full quote below:
The rumors began to solidify that the TV series would come back, I was thinking, ‘Am I suddenly going to get a phone call?’ I was curious. I thought, ‘Well, surely the tradition is that there’s a regeneration.’
I thought maybe they’d ask me to come and do a day on this thing. But no! [Laughs.] That’s proper ‘sad actor’ isn’t it? When actors aren’t working, they sit in a room, looking out of a window, waiting for the phone to ring. And that was me for all those years. And the phone didn’t ring!
Why The Eighth Doctor Didn’t Return In 2005
It Came Down To Logistics & Creative Decisions
The absence ofMcGann’s Eighth Doctorin the show’s revival marked a significant turning point forDoctor Who,and despite having little on-screen time as the Eighth Doctor,McGann quickly won over viewers after the 1996 film debuted, leaving many upset once it was confirmed he was not returning. Showrunner Russell T Davies has previously said that he wanted to create a fresh start for the series, explaining that by bringing in a new Doctor, the revival could establish its own identity without relying too much on the past, ensuring that it still appealed to modern audiences.
The Ninth Doctor introduced a darker, war-torn figure to the screen, while McGann’s Doctor was more romantic and optimistic.
However, not being included in the 2005 revival did not mean McGann’s Doctor would be forgotten, as he made his return in 2013 for the 50th Anniversary Special mini-episode “The Night of the Doctor.” In 2022, he returned once again, this time for the Thirteenth Doctor special “The Power of the Doctor,” as one of the Guardians of the Edge in an afterlife, inside the Doctor’s mind. McGann has also regularly appeared as The Doctor in the Big Finish audio dramas.
Our Take On McGann’s Replacement
It Was The Start Of A New Era
McGann’s reflection on not being asked back for the 2005 revival gives viewers a glimpse of whatDoctor Whocould have been had he returned for the series. The Ninth Doctor introduced a darker, war-torn figure to the screen, while McGann’s Doctor was more romantic and optimistic.McGann ultimately did get to film his regeneration scenein “The Night of The Doctor,” although it was into John Hurt’s War Doctor instead of Christopher Eccleston’s ninth incarnation.
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Moving forward, McGann’s reflections serve as a reminder of the many potential directions the Doctor’s adventure could have followed. His return in the specials demonstrated how popular his portrayal remained, and also left the doors open for future opportunities to delve deeper into the Eighth Doctor’s adventures. AsDoctor Whoseason 15is approaching and with the show frequently revisiting its rich history, there is a high possibility that viewers will get to see the Eighth Doctor return for a third time.
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Doctor Who: Released on July 31, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
