View source for Spielberg plans to revive Dr Who

{{article
| publication = The Straits Times
| file =
| px =
| height =
| width =
| date = 1994-07-08
| author = Ong Sor Fern
| pages = Entertainment, p. 14
| language = English
| type =
| description =
| categories =
| moreTitles =
| morePublications =
| moreDates =
| text =
A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR revival is being planned for the '60s cult British TV series, Dr Who, by producer Steven Spielberg.

This time, Eric Idle, star of the acclaimed British comedy series, Monty Python, will play the world's most famed time traveller.

He will be the eighth actor to take on the role of the good Doctor, which has included British thespians William Hartnell, Jon Pertwee and Sylvester McCoy.

The 51-year-old British actor was picked because Spielberg thought he would appeal to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

Idle's film, Nuns On The Run, has brought him recognition in the United States and he is currently starring in Spielberg's new movie, Casper, The Friendly Ghost.

The (pound)20-million (S$ 47.6-million) Dr Who will start filming this month in California, with Idle expected to make (pound)34,000 per episode, reports British newspaper The Mail.

His co-stars for The New Adventures Of Dr Who will include US TV series Baywatch actress Pamela Anderson as his assistant, and fellow British actor Peter O'Toole as his father.

Director Ridley Scott, of Blade Runner and Thelma And Louise fame, has been brought in to direct the pilot episode.

Monty Python regular Michael Palin had this to say about Idle's new role: "He's mischievous like Dr Who, and he'd look great in a scarf."

Spielberg's original choice for the starring role was British actor Alan Rickman. Rickman, however, turned down the offer as he was not ready to commit to filming 30 episodes in the US.

The British Broadcasting Corporation's original version of Dr Who was the longest-running sci-fi series in the world, enjoying a run of 26 years.

At its peak, the series reached 110 million viewers in over 70 countries.

The new TV series will be a joint venture between BBC, Universal Television and Spielberg's Amblin Television.

BBC will, however, retain ownership of the Dr Who character and is expected to earn significantly from the merchandising sales which have been estimated at (pound)66 million. 

}}