Doctor Who TV movie director responds to question on a potential Paul McGann spin-off series

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Geoffrey Sax, who directed the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, has expressed interest in coming back to direct a potential spin-off series starring Paul McGann as the Doctor.

Peter McGann first played the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 TV movie, which was initially planned as the first episode of a possible new Doctor Who series.

Although a complete TV revival didn’t happen then, Sylvester McCoy’s Doctor has stayed popular with fans for the last three decades. They’ve continued to ask for him to star in his own series or limited run.

I have to say, Paul McGann’s Doctor always felt a bit mysterious, and that was only amplified when he unexpectedly reappeared in the 2013 mini-episode, ‘The Night of the Doctor.’ It finally gave us the visual of his regeneration, and honestly, it really solidified his place as a key part of the modern Doctor Who story. It’s a moment that truly cemented him in the show’s overall mythology.

When asked if he’d consider working on a future project with Sylvester McCoy, Sax responded with a definite ‘yes’. He told TopMob he would ‘absolutely be open to being involved’.

Paul McGann has kept playing the Eighth Doctor in audio adventures, but his only full TV appearance remains a memorable point of speculation for Doctor Who fans. This is especially interesting considering the 1996 film was intended to start a new chapter for the series.

For years, fans have wanted more adventures with the Eighth Doctor, suggesting everything from a complete new series to a shorter story or special episode – anything to give actor Paul McGann a longer run with the character, something he didn’t get in the 1990s.

Sax observed that he’s been surprised by the lasting popularity of the TV movie, explaining that directors of TV shows aren’t usually the focus of attention.

Honestly, I’ve spent more time doing podcasts and interviews related to this show than anything else I’ve ever worked on. And the fact that I’m still doing them after 30 years is just amazing to me. It’s truly extraordinary to still be connecting with people about it after all this time.

It happens periodically – just like it did fifteen years ago, when it unexpectedly resurfaced and became news again.

“I just think it’s amazing. So yes, I would certainly be open to doing it.”

Interest in the 1996 Doctor Who movie is growing again now that it’s been restored in 4K. A screening at BFI Southbank recently featured stars Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant, who answered questions from the audience.

This updated version of the movie is being released alongside a new 4K and Blu-ray disc set. The film has been newly restored from the original 35mm film to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

This release will come in a special Limited Edition Steelbook, which includes the 90-minute adventure on both 4K UHD and Blu-ray. It will also be available as separate 4K and standard Blu-ray discs.

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You can now watch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer. For a comprehensive look at the show, check out our story guide, which includes reviews of every episode since 1963, details about the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes trivia, and exclusive content from the TopMob archive.

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Authors

Morgan JefferyDigital Editor

Morgan Jeffery leads the editorial content for TopMob across all its digital platforms as Digital Editor. Before this, he worked as TV Editor at Digital Spy and has appeared as a television expert on programs like BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live, and Sky Atlantic.

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2026-05-30 09:34