Doctor Who TV movie director reveals Eric Roberts’s first reaction to The Master’s infamous costume change

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So, I was reading an interview with Geoffrey Sax, the director of the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, and he shared a fun little detail about working with Eric Roberts. Apparently, Roberts was a bit hesitant at first about some of the Master’s… let’s say bold wardrobe choices. But Sax said he quickly got into the spirit of the film and really leaned into the over-the-top nature of the role, which is great to hear! It just shows how a director can help an actor fully commit to a character, even when it involves some pretty wild costumes.

Roberts famously played a rebellious Time Lord in the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, alongside Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor. His performance has since become a fan favorite, known for its over-the-top drama and playful, exaggerated style.

A truly memorable moment in Doctor Who history is when the Master unexpectedly changed into elaborate Time Lord clothing, delivering the line, “I always dress for the occasion,” with a wonderfully dramatic flair.

I recall visiting the costume department with him, and he kept saying the outfits didn’t feel quite right.

However, Sax recalled that Roberts’s view changed once he saw how the film was coming together.

I brought him into the editing suite to show him the rough cut – what we had filmed up to that point. We’d been shooting for around three weeks, I think.

He quickly recognized the show’s exaggerated and dramatic style, and he was immediately captivated. After that, he fully committed to the performance.

Roberts’ portrayal of the villain was a significant departure from earlier versions, and it’s become a highlight of the TV movie, particularly for viewers who appreciate its bolder, more dramatic moments.

I was really moved when I saw the film with an audience recently at the BFI Southbank. It was amazing to see their reaction – it really struck me how powerfully the film still resonates with people.

You know, watching it with a crowd really reminded me how funny he was, even as the villain! He was just so over-the-top and delightfully campy, it was impossible not to laugh.

“Because he did it with such conviction, I just think he got away with it.”

The 1996 TV movie was initially planned as the first episode of a new Doctor Who show, but plans for a full series with Paul McGann as the Doctor never came to fruition.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie has been beautifully restored and remastered for release on 4K and Blu-ray. The restoration used the original 35mm film to create a brand new, high-quality version.

The movie will be released in a special Limited Edition Steelbook, which includes the 90-minute film on both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. It will also be available on 4K and standard Blu-ray separately.

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You can now watch Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer. For a complete guide to the show, including episode reviews from every season since 1963, cast and crew information, behind-the-scenes details, and exclusive content from the TopMob archive, check out our story guide.

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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 joining TopMob, he worked as TV Editor at Digital Spy and has appeared as a television expert on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live, and Sky Atlantic.

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2026-05-31 22:34