Director Edgar Wright jokingly said he wants to play the next iteration of The Doctor on Doctor Who.
Speaking to Slash Film about if he would ever step behind the camera for an episode of the beloved sci-fi show, Wright said he was given a chance to direct an episode of the revived series back in the early 2000s. Then-showrunner Russell T. Davies gave Wright an offer to direct the pilot, but Wright was working on Shaun of the Dead at the time.
Now, with the huge news that Davies is returning to the showrunner role for the show's 60th anniversary, Wright has been asked if he hopes to direct an episode. While he couldn't say either way if that's going to become a reality, he did say, "Can I be The Doctor? If the headline is 'Edgar Wright Would Like to Play 14th Doctor', I'd go along with that." So here we are.
Update 10/28 4:27 pm PT: While Wright was clearly joking and presumably would not give up his day job of a critically-acclaimed director, he did say he would recommend Richard Ayoade for the role as The Doctor.
To be clear, I was kidding. But I nominate @RichardAyoade x https://t.co/ojW90344Xr
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) October 28, 2021
Wright is known for directing movies including Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver. His latest film, Last Night in Soho, stars Doctor Who alumn, Matt Smith.
Current Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall is leaving the show after 2022, along with the current Doctor, Jodie Whittaker. Davies, who was the showrunner for the revival's first 4 seasons starring Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant, will return for the 60th anniversary episode and seasons beyond that, according to the BBC. We don't yet know who will succeed Whittaker as the Timelord.
For more on Doctor Who, check out our Doctor interviews with David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Jodie Whittaker.
Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.