Peter Capaldi’s stance on a possible return toDoctor Whoplaces him in the same boat as Tom Baker and Christopher Eccleston. Peter Capaldi joined a long line ofactors who played “Doctor Who”as heappeared in the British sci-fi show from 2014-2017 as the Twelfth Doctor. As of 2024, the Time Lord has gone through three regenerations since, and Ncuti Gatwa wascast as the Fifteenth Doctor for season 14. Considering most actors can only dream of playing the famous character, it is surprising thatPeter Capaldi has stated that he doesn’t want to return toDoctor Who.
Doctor Whois confirmed to return for season 15 in May 2025under its new network, Disney+. The show previously aired on BBC from 2005 onwards and encompassed the reign of Peter Capaldi, who delivered the oldest version of the Doctor since ClassicDoctor Who.Capaldi also appeared inDoctor Whobefore being cast as the Twelfth Doctor, playing a role in “The Fires of Pompeii” and a recurring role in the spin-off,Torchwood.As a fan of the show, which has brought the actor lots of visibility, it is therefore surprising that Capaldi does not want to return.
Peter Capaldi Isn’t The First Doctor Who Actor Who Wouldn’t Return
Tom Baker and Christopher Eccleston Parted Ways With Doctor Who
Unfortunately, Peter Capaldi is not the first Doctor actor who has stated that they will not return toDoctor Who. AlthoughDavid Tennant and Catherine Tate made a shocking return toDoctor Whoto mark the 60th anniversary of the show in a bi-generation twist,other Doctor actors are not so willing to reprise their notorious roles on the science fiction show. Famously, both Tom Baker, who played the Fourth Doctor in ClassicDoctor Who, and Christopher Eccleston, who played the Ninth Doctor and kickstarted BBC’s 2005 reboot, have stated their reluctance to return toDoctor Whofor various reasons.
1974–1981
2005
Twelfth Doctor
2014–2017
Tom Baker played the Fourth Doctor inDoctor Whofor seven consecutive seasons, which remains the longest period of time for any actor who has played the Time Lord, including those in both the classic and new series. As a result,the Fourth Doctor is considered a fan favorite and is one of the most iconic incarnations, soTom Baker’s absence was sorely felt inDoctor Who’s“The Five Doctors” special. Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor was similarly famous for being the first Doctor inDoctor Who’sreboot, and his less eccentric personality provided a new and interesting take on the character.
Peter Capaldi’s Reasons For Not Returning Are Different From Tom Baker & Christopher Eccleston’s
Capaldi Has No Complaints Against Doctor Who
Interestingly,Peter Capaldi’s reasons for not returning toDoctor Whoare very different from Tom Baker and Christopher Eccleston’s. Baker and Eccleston both left the show following disagreements with producers, among other things; Baker clashed with the new producer, John Nathan-Turner, and endured health problems, whereasEccleston quitDoctor Whodue to dissatisfaction with the treatment of himself and fellow actors during production. However, Capaldi departedDoctor Whowith no complaints against the show, but instead cited toHELLO!that his reluctance to return was due to worries it would not be the same. Check out his full statement below:
I’m still a huge fan of Doctor Who. It’s not that I have anything against it, but there comes a time when you have to leave things alone. I can’t imagine the situation in which I’d be able to go back into it with enough influence over how it was going to be.
Capaldi also stated that, “We had a great time, so unless we can have that good a time, I wouldn’t want to do it.”Capaldi’s reasons for not wanting to return toDoctor Whopropose a problem forDoctor Whofans who would like to see Capaldi again, especially with Stephen Moffat’s return to the show.Moffat’s season 14Doctor Whoepisode “Boom”highlighted an injustice with Capaldi’s send-off, as Moffat claims that he didn’t love “Twice Upon A Time,” but unfortunately, Capaldi’s stance on returning means the Twelfth Doctor’s final episode won’t be redeemed for fans or Moffat.
Why Peter Capaldi Is Still More Likely To Return To Doctor Who Than Christopher Eccleston
Eccleston & Baker Have Clashed With Doctor Who Producers
Although the actor does not currently want to reappear inDoctor Who, Peter Capaldi is still more likely to return to the show than others like Christopher Eccleston because he was a well-loved variant of the Doctor. In fact,Peter Capaldi’s “Heaven Sent” was voted by fans as the bestDoctor Whoepisodeof all time due to its exploration of mortality and demonstration of why the Doctor survived for six decades.The Twelfth Doctor’s determination and inner strength was portrayed brilliantly by Peter Capaldi in “Heaven Sent,”showing that the actor has the following to make a successful return.
Doctor Who Showrunners Praise Former Doctor As “The Most Phenomenal Piece Of Casting On Any Show Ever”
Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat praise the casting of one particular Doctor and other classic era icons when looking back on Doctor Who’s past.
On the other hand, Tom Baker declined to pose for promotional photos with the other four Doctors in the 1983 special, “The Five Doctors,” due to his tumultuous history with the show. Baker would not take part asthe Fourth Doctor had no interest in meeting the other Doctors ofDoctor Who, and Baker has claimed that he avoids the actors “not with any malice” but with a “mildly contemptuous” attitude following his exit in 1981. While the actor did have a cameo inDoctor Whoin 2013,Baker remains steadfast in his position against returning as the Doctor.
although the Twelfth Doctor’s actor has stated that he cannot see himself returning, Capaldi’s neutral departure means he is the most likely Doctor to reappear
Yet, the actor who is most unlikely to return toDoctor Whois still Christopher Eccleston. Following Eccleston’s exit fromDoctor Whoafter just one season on the show, the actor has been very outspoken about his treatment by producers on set, andChristopher Eccleston has even outlined conditions of the Ninth Doctor’s return toDoctor Who, brutally calling for the resignation of specific producers. Therefore, although the Twelfth Doctor’s actor has stated that he cannot see himself returning,Capaldi’s neutral departure means he is the most likely Doctor to reappear inDoctor Whocompared to Eccleston and Baker.
Doctor Who
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Doctor Who: Released on August 24, 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.
