Could Peter Jackson film an episode of Doctor Who in New Zealand?
by Doc on Sep.24, 2012, under Television
I can already see a teaser preview for this…showing the vast countryside, beautiful mountains, eventually zooming in on a relatively non-descript hobbit hole, focusing on the door, when the door opens, and out comes…Matt Smith as The Doctor, who says, “We’re going on an adventure…”
It turns out that The Hobbit producer/director Peter Jackson is a big fan of Doctor Who, and would like to direct Matt Smith in an episode. Smith recently told the Waikato Times to tell Peter Jackson that he would like Jackson to direct, and he’d love to film it in New Zealand. Jackson responded, “I’m a huge Doctor Who fan, and I think Matt’s fantastic. Just name a time and place, and I’ll be there!” And it appears the producers might like to make it happen (they’d be crazy not to!)
Neil Cross, writer/creator of BBC’s Luther, works in Wellington, NZ, and is friends with Caroline Skinner, executive producer on Doctor Who, and has said he’d love to pen a story for Jackson to direct.
Skinner said cautiously, “It is beyond wonderful that Peter is a fan of the show and it’s beyond flattering that he’d even think about it, I’m absolutely sure that we couldn’t afford him but, you know, we can always negotiate. His enthusiasm is just fantastic of course.” Her and showrunner Steven Moffat have both received a lot of support for the idea.
If you’re hoping for it to happen soon, you’ll need to set expectations. “Of course at some point we’d love to bring Doctor Who Down Underl” she added. “…it won’t be possible until at least a year after the 50th anniversary.” Likely do to budget, as they’ve already an episode in the US and another in Spain, and with the 50th anniversary coming up, I’d expect BBC’s extra-tight wallet control as of late will be focused on that instead of what might be perceived as a “stunt directing” by some.
Cross and Moffat were also in Los Angeles together for the Emmys, with both of their shows (Moffat for Sherlock) had a combined 18 nominations (but alas no wins), and it was expected that they might talk story.
But I can’t imagine how cool this could be!