The familiar wheezing and groaning of the TARDIS materialising will probably be heard in New Zealand after Sir Peter Jackson finishes the last film in his Hobbit trilogy.
Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat told SFX magazine he’d met Jackson about the idea.
“He’s still incredibly busy on The Hobbit,” Moffat said.
“I’ve spoken to him face to face, and he would like to do one. He accepts that there’s no money and that there’s no time, and it would have to be when he’s available – and I don’t think he’s even been available enough to answer our emails of late!”
Jackson’s last Hobbit movie will go on general release in December.
The 11th Doctor himself, Matt Smith, suggested Jackson helm an episode during an interview with Fairfax Media in 2012.
“Hey, let’s get Peter Jackson to direct one and go and make it in New Zealand,” Smith said.
Jackson was quick to respond with: “I’m a huge Doctor Who fan, and I think Matt’s fantastic. Just name a time and place, and I’ll be there!”
Smith has since made way for Peter Capaldi.
Moffat, who worked with Jackson on The Adventures of Tintin movie, is talking up the eighth season, starring Capaldi, of the show in the press. The season starts in the UK on August 23.
Prime is yet to announce a screening date.
“I think it will probably happen at some point,” Moffat said.
“I mean, he [Jackson] can do what the hell he likes – he owns New Zealand! I think he’s sincere in his Doctor Who fandom, to say the least. He’s a nice guy, he quite often drops me a line after a show goes out. He’s into it – it’s just ‘can you make it work’
“I think he would also like us to go and make it in New Zealand! And I’m like ‘Okaaay… I’d rather we just flew you to Cardiff!’
Asked for Jackson’s comments on Moffat’s interview, Jackson’s executive assistant, Matthew Dravitzki, said: “Nothing to say on this, Chris. We’re working on The Hobbit, and only The Hobbit.”
Moffat, Capaldi and his onscreen companion, Jenna Coleman, will be live on stage in the State Theatre, Sydney, as part of the Doctor Who World Tour on August 12.
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– Waikato Times
