People keep saying he's arrogant and a poor sport for not wanting to come back... And I think those who think that way are the arrogant ones. The guy is never disrespectful towards the show itself or its fans and he should do what he wants with his life.
I saw a comment from Moffat a while back saying something like "9 didn't turn up for the celebrations, but without him there would have been no party at all." This put it into perspective for me. Christopher Eccleston may not have turned up, the reasons for which I don't know will ever be 100% clear, but he contributed to the success of series 1 by being amazing as the Doctor, and the success of series 1 is what made everything that came after it possible, the 50th anniversary included.
Chris will always be my 1st and most favourite doctor. Even though tennant made the most impact on me. If it wasn't for chris, i would not be watching this programme 8 years later. He was amazing in his portrayal as the doctor and no matter what criticism he receives for what little input he had in future series/episodes of who, i will always consider him the actor who grasped my attention to such an interesting and attention grabbing character. Thank you mr eccleston for everything. :)
***** I agree. Eccelston was our generations Hartnell. No British actor at the time could have made Doctor Who a success in 1963. Hartnell was THE choice. Same as now. Eccelston, in my opinion, was the only actor that could have made it a success. They tried with McGann, but as much as I like him, he wasn't right at the time.
Vyselink I don't think that he wasn't a good choice. Even at the time. The script for the TV Movie was a mess. An absolute mess. You should listen to Big Finish Productions' Doctor Who audio plays featuring him. They're awesome. The writing is much better, and Paul shines all throughout. And as for the other Doctors...they even managed to save 6 and Mel from being as horrible as they were on TV.
iLikeTheUDK I agree that the "movie" had miserable writing, but I ended up managing to like it because of Paul's acting. You're right about one thing; anyone who hasn't should check out Big Finish because they've done wonderful things for some of the Doctors who didn't exactly always get A-grade writing.
iLikeTheUDK I've heard the Big Finish productions, and they are great. And while I agree that the whole movies script was bad, McGann didn't then, and really doesn't now, have the power to bring it back. If McGann had everything Eccelston had, I don't believe it would have been as successful.
I find it funny how Eccleston is the only live actor to play the Doctor who didn't participate in the 50th anniversary. 5, 6, and 7 made a special involving it, and 8 starred in a mini-episode preceding it. Even 12, who wasn't even supposed to be playing yet, got in there!
PBL187 They don't need to. We know 12 is eventually going to do that event. We don't need to see the build-up. The Doctors are going to find him and say "Help us" then "Okay". Done.
They were making a deal with him, but it fell through at the end. He was supposed to be the War Doctor, which is still noticable in John Hurt's "Doctor" (as far as being the Doctor).
agogobell28 Only on the Five Doctors. He didn't appear in it because he had JUST gotten done with the role a year or two earlier, and didn't want to return so soon. He later stated he regrets it, but ever since then, has still popped up occasionally. He made an appearance in the 50th anniversary, did a handful of audio dramas, and still interacted with the fans between.
Just remember, Troughton wanted to play the Doctor in BLACKFACE to avoid being typecast- honestly, he have no business criticizing Eccleston. I do wonder though... Eccleston doesn't like to reprise roles, but could he be persuaded to appear in Doctor Who in a completely different role?
i love how chris has grown in his appreciation for doctor who and how he gained a great reputation with young people like myself who are now in their late teens/twenties. what i also like is that in recent years he’s actually had a small change of heart and said that if things had been different he would have liked to have done a second series and if he could go back now he probably would have stayed on a little longer
Ecelston understands the doctor so well. Described him better than anyone, I want him back for a special or the 60th but I ain’t gonna shit on him for not coming back. He got me into the show tbh that gass mask episode got me into it so it’d be great to see him one more time as he rlly made it his own. He was fantastic.
Without Eccleston and Rose, and I do have to put this in context, it is just TV. We wouldn't have DR Who next generation, me I loved the dark and emotional bits. But I did watch it from the start, I must have been about 11
Eccleston was my first doc And I wish he Stayed with the BBC to do more series, although he achieved his goals of bringing the show back and I respect that. 9th will always be MY doc and quoted by the 6th doctor 'he is the doctor weither we like it or not'. All the doctors were fantastic (see what I did there!) and all brought a unique personality to the show, even if it did go down hill in the 80s. I think dr who will survive forever and btw 12th is amazing lol. I think ive proved my point!
That wasn't him though, just a picture of his face slowly fading in on John Hurt, but it wasn't *actually* him. He didn't show up for filming and he wasn't involved in the anniversary whatsoever.
The first real introduction to his doctor will always stay with me. "I'm the doctor by the way, What's your name" "Rose" "Nice to meet you Rose...run for your life" (While holding a bomb.
Eccleston actually didn't decide to leave, it was the casting and the production crew that found David Tennant after signing Eccleston, and had to give Eccleston one season before Tennant took over, Eccleston didn't decide to leave, it was everybody else.
To be honest, I can see where hes coming from if thats the case, he was instantly overshadowed by david tennant when he came on. and when people think about early new who, they dont even remember christoper eccleston existed.
"I never bathe in the same river twice". _Bathe in the same river._ _The same river._ *_River._* ...Waaaiiiiit. Does he mean what I think he means? So 9 WAS with her at some point, and did...things with her?
jaiRo montoya No, the War Doctor role was written for Eccleston, but it fell through at the end and John Hurt got the role. You can still notice it was written for Eccleston though.
TheDutchOwner's Tech Channel wrong, if you go back and watch Rose the Doctor has just regenerated so it wouldn't have worked for him to also be the War Doctor.
TheDutchOwner's Tech Channel resally? i didnt think so..... it felt he was missing from the events but the 9th wouldn't have reacted to the 10th and 11th like the war doctor did. look at how he treated micky smith, he would have had a feild day with the other doctors, not just stand there and complain that they talk like children thats just me though, i loved every second of it either way
It will always suck that we didn't get Chris in the 50th, but you have to respect his decision and having listened to all of his interviews, I think he's a real stellar stand-up guy who's never disrespectful to anyone and has very understandable reasons for his decisions
i really want chris to come back for 50 years. he may not be my favourite doctor but he will always be my first doctor and have a special place in my heart.
I honestly don't know if it would have been better to have war doctor, or eccelston. I love what Jon Hurt did and I truly believe he would be my favorite if given a season or two. But I think Chris is an amazing actor and seeing him in the war may have been perfect. I do admit that I'm saddened that he won't be coming back on the show for a long time, but he genuinely seems like an amazing guy, and I don't want to insult the man. After all I just want an encour of one of his many great performances, and if that says anything its more of a compliment.
Aidan Cross I'm not insisting that in the slightest, and I'm not saying children shouldn't watch it, or anything of that sort. Anyone should watch it, it's a fantastic show. But when the term "Kid's Show" is used, it tends to make it sound childish, and immature. Anyone can and should enjoy this awesome show, whatever the age.
and some of the serials of the classic era of Doctor Who like Genesis of the Daleks, The Caves of Androzani, Vengeance on Varos, and The Curse of Fenric
@tardistimelordyeah I had SO much respect for him when I found out that the reason he left so soon, after only one year, was because he wasn't happy with the way people were treated there, so he left because he didn't feel he could continue morally ... I seriously LOVE him now!
Eccelson was fantastic as the actor who brought back the series. He was my first Doctor, and is really good! But I am glad he only did one. If that was what he was happy with. Would have also been happy, had he decided to do a 2nd. And if Capaldi only decides to do one, although I hope he does more, then that is his decision. However who do you guys think could follow Capaldi if he decided on one season? it would have to be an older actor. Oh! What about Christopher Lee? Or Michael Gambon? Both played in huge movies and would be fairly good Doctors since both played very old characters already? Gandalf is very old, not sure exactly how much but Dumbledore is pretty old too.
It's a shame that Eccleston won't come back. I firmly believe that the show wouldn't have gotten back on track without him. His jolt of energy enabled David Tennant and then Matt Smith to keep the fire going. On the other hand, I respect his decision unswervingly. He will always be one of my favorites.
Know what I think? Next time the Doctor talks about the Time War, we need a flashback episode. The Eighth Doctor's trip home to Gallifrey, the Nightmare King, the Time War and the setup of the Time Lock. The battle between the Daleks and the Time Lords which resulted in his Ninth regeneration, plus what happened to Susan and Romana. It would be a fantastic chance to expand on the secreentime the eighth and ninth Doctor's got and build on that story everyone wants to see/hear.
I have to say... Series 5 and 6 of doctor who with Matt and Karen have really great. But I do really miss the close comfort of chris and David and there companions. It felt like a big family then like everyone knew each other and got on. Matt,Karen,Arthur&Alex are all superb and I wouldn't watch it without them. It's just a shame they don't remember the old companions any more. I'm so excited for next year and Christmas though! I -3 DOCTOR WHO
Christopher Eccleston gave Doctor Who a new look. I need to order those episodes that featured him. Would be nice if he could come back and play the Doctor once again.
MarkFilipAnthony Maybe its just me, but it seems as though this "bathing in the same river" nonsense is just an excuse. He says it every time this topic is brought up almost as if he regrets doing the role at all. Of course he says he "proud" of those episodes that's what one says in an interview. Hes so Narcissistic to think his very presence was the sole factor to the shows success. As a Fan I'm hurt he refuses to return to for one episode, thus changing a large part of the story. I just wish John hurt had been cast as the 9th Doctor in 2005 then maybe we could have an actor worthy of the title "9" Eccleston has gone from my First Doctor, to my Favorite Doctor, and then to my least favorite Actor.
People say they want to see all 11 Doctors interacting with one another for the 50th Anniversary episode special. What I say; show us what we've never seen and do a flashback to the time war and show Paul McGann once again as the Doctor, then half way through or near the end when he has to end it all, he gets killed and has to regenerate into Christopher Eccleston. This idea would let us see more of the two of them, and it would be FANTASTIC! They both deserve to play the part one more time :)
She is. She was born Melody Pond. She regenerated into Mels (the black girl from Let's Kill Hitler). And then she regenerated again into River Song. Then she gave her last ten regenerations to save the Doctor. Technically, though, with Gallifrey gone, the Doctor can work out a way to restore some of her regenerations. No legal repercussions.
for the 50th Anniversary I would love a dialogue between 2 maybe 3 doctors, no sfx or complex plot, just a conservation or debate on how they see the universe from their point of time.
Not a Dark Side per se, but imagine all the heartbreak he experienced in the 8 he was before finally taking it's toll on him. The Time War, losing companions and failing to help others. While the Doctor himself is the oncoming storm. 9 is the oncoming sadness.
I think it would be excellent to see him return after all he only did one series, chances like this don't come around often (second chances to play a past away incarnation of the Doctor I mean)
Will Wheatley Harry Potter is also for kids, don't forget. Those are not family orientated or adult books. They were written for children. It just so happens that adults started reading and enjoying them too.
btw only the 1st book was for kids. After J.K saw her books popularity with adults she changed the target audience. Have you even watched Doctor Who? May i remind you of the end of Flesh and Stone, or the face melting on Dragonfire? If it was soley for children i wouldn't watch it. I don't still watch Spongebob, yet i watch Doctor Who.
Really wish he'd come back if they're doing a special multiple doctors story like they did for the classic series but just because he's out doesn't mean they can't do it. After all, they could still get 7 of the Doctors back.
I wish he would come back. I know it ain't gonna happen but he's arguably my favourite Doctor along with Peter Davison. I just wonder if he's ever going to do anything that I love as much as Doctor Who again.
I think Christopher Eccleston doesnt know how appreciated his era was, as when people think back to 2005 doctor who they think of David Tennant not him.
"Melody Williams is a geography teacher. Melody Pond is a superhero." -Amy Melody was conceived on the TARDIS. The exposure to the concentrated energy of the time vortex in the heart of the TARDIS infused a strand of Time Lord DNA in Melody's human DNA--something that very likely would not have been possible before the destruction of Gallifrey. The DNA was enough to enable Melody to regenerate, fly the TARDIS and learn Old High Gallifreyan. Didn't you watch those episodes?
@RickeySnake Wrong. The special you're referring to is "Time Crash". In that special, Peter Davison returned to his role as the Fifth Doctor. They did not change actors.
Tom Baker, the legend himself, actually came up with a really good idea for it! He said that the doctor could be showing his latest companion around the TARDIS and as he does, he comes across a room filled with images/holograms of his previous selves, and tells his companion, "There's more to me than meets the eye" Which I think ,if they do, would be a really great and touching moment! Maybe they could just do that instead of having all the doctors together! AGAIN!:')
OMG, he is awesome. He does sign Dr Who merch which is more than Tennant did/does. (Tennant just did a signing event but charged £45 per auto which is alot of money for that sort of thing)
How sad that he doesn't want to take the part up again, it would've been so lovely,oh I do hope that maybe he will in 10 years or so, like Peter Davison in Time Crash :3
This is from the 2011 , now we're in 2013.. I hope he changed his mind in this time, i really want to see him back as the Doctor, as MY DOCTOR just for an episode, that's all what we want. i'll be so sad if he doesn't appears for the 50th annyversary :(
If they would do a mini series about the time war that could benefit charities such as the children in need specials of dr who, i'll bet he and mcgann would definitely be on board with it. I know i would.
I'm not too worried yet, we have a year before that 50th anniversary special. Christopher is a a really good guy, I bet if Matt Smith calls him and tells him that he'd like to have him, there would be no way he could say no.
Any Doctor can return and meet another Doctor. In the classic series there was: The 3 Doctors, The 5 Doctors, The 2 Doctors. There was also a newer Doctor meeting, the Children in need special: Time Crash.
The best doctor who episode ever: Patrick Troughton (as a hologram because he died in the 80's), Tom Baker, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, and Matt Smith.
Chris was SO good as the Doctor. It was too short, but I have to be honest and say it was, according to Eccleston himself, was because some of the senior crew were 'difficult' to work with
@RickeySnake I'm not quite sure if you're trying to say that Hartnell was in The Five Doctors because he wasn't. Richard Hurndall played The First Doctor in that.
Funny I just watched the 1996 film again in 10 parts here on youtube. When I previewed episode 8, I was watching Paul and the way he said the lines and his inflections and I thought it was so much like Chris, just the way he acted.
They actually had something planned for that. It was supposed to happen in the graphic novel The Flood before the new series came out, at the request of Russell T. Davies, but the comic writers didn't want to kill off the Eighth Doctor's current companion (Ninth could only be seen with Rose), so they scrapped his regeneration at the end of that story. They even had Eccleston's face drawn in a panel in the back of the book.
There was a 10th Doctor Children in Need short that had him meeting the 5th Doctor. His aged appearance was explained with something along the lines of the times crossing.
Arguably the dark side originated with William Hartnell's Doctor. In the FIRST episode, the Doctor almost kills an injured caveman with a rock because the guy would slow them down. The sixth Doctor was also dark, originally trying to KILL his companion in his post-regenerative confusion. The Doctor has always had that dual nature, good and bad, and very good at both. I wish he had done more as the 9th Doctor too. Good actor, best Doctor.
That clears so much up for me. I was wondering why he wasn't doing the 50th anniversary. I saw a quote from him elsewhere saying he would have liked to do more with the Doctor. I guess he's over it.
darn!!! the 50th anniversary would have been amazing with the three modern doctors together!!! cris david and matt all acting along side each other would have blown my mind!
I'm sad that Eccleston didn't return for The Day of the Doctor, but he didn't have to to show how much he loved the show. Maybe he'll change his mind someday but if not, that's just fine. He was, The Doctor.
