Peter Capaldi, who portrayed the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who, has explained why he won't return to the show, despite other Doctors reprising their roles. Throughout the show's history, multiple Doctors have come back into their roles, crossing over with other actors who now portray the main versions of their characters. This includes the very last episode Capaldi appeared in, 2017's "Twice Upon a Time," where David Bradley took on the role of the First Doctor (originally portrayed by William Hartnell). This means there is still room for his Doctor to come back if he wanted to reprise the role.

However, speaking with HELLO!, Capaldi revealed he wasn't interested in coming back as the Twelfth Doctor in future Doctor Who episodes. While clarifying that he has nothing against the show and still considers himself "a huge fan," the actor explained that he believed it would be better for his character to rest. He also said he'd want to ensure "enough influence" over his reappearance, which he doesn't believe would happen. Check out what Capaldi had to say 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.

What Capaldi's Explanation Means For His Potential Reprisal In Doctor Who

The Twelfth Doctor Probably Won't Be Coming Back

Capaldi's words indicate that, while he could come back as a guest cast member on Doctor Who under the right circumstances, it's unlikely he'll be reprising his role anytime soon. This wouldn't make him the only Doctor not to come back since the show's 2005 revival, with Christopher Eccleston's Ninth Doctor having not shown up since the season 1 finale. His honest answer tempers expectations about his potential comeback, indicating viewers shouldn't expect a reprisal anytime soon.

Even so, his stipulations about control over his character do indicate that, depending on the storyline or thought process behind his return, he would be open to the possibility. But, given the influence he'd want over the direction of his character, it doesn't seem like he'd be coming back in Doctor Who season 15, nor any other season in the near future. While his statement offers some hope, it ultimately isn't likely to happen, instead allowing his regeneration in 2017 to mark the finale of his appearances on the show.

Our Take On Capaldi Not Coming Back To Doctor Who

Disappointing Yet Understandable

It's slightly disappointing to know Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor probably isn't coming back to the show, nixing the idea of a crossover with Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor or any future protagonists. However, it's also understandable as to why he'd want his story to end, closing the book on a character who was only one part of his lengthy career. While there's still some hope he could come back in Doctor Who's future, he's unlikely to, marking a fitting end for his character that won't be getting an epilogue.

Doctor Who returns with the Christmas special "Joy to the World" on December 25, 2024.

Source: HELLO!