Fans of the Tenth Doctor’s era were rejoicing when it was announced that John Simm was returning to Doctor Who after seven years for the two-part finale of season 10. With the Master having regenerated into the female form of Missy, as played by Michelle Gomez, it seemed that the opportunity for more of Simm had passed. Thankfully, though, he was able to come back and team up with his character’s future self in what turned out to be a highlight of a really great season.
As it turns out, this might not be the last we’ve seen of Simm on the show. Speaking to Doctor Who Magazine (via DoctorWhoTV), the actor revealed that he would consider returning once more if he was asked:
“You know what, I don’t know. I mean, I wouldn’t have thought in a million years that I’d be back [in 2017], yet here I am talking about it, so never say never. So you never know. This thing called Doctor Who is a machine that just sort of goes on its own. It’s got its own rules. And if they want you back, then great. I would definitely think about it.”
“Will they ask? I doubt it. But I don’t know. I mean, I’m very, very lucky to have worked with two Doctors. Two brilliant, brilliant actors. So if not, I will count myself blessed to have been asked back; to have played him these two times. That’s wonderful. And we shall see. Who knows? Yeah, never say never. That’s very true.”
On first thought, it seems likely that Simm’s time on the series is done. After all, his era as the Master is long gone and his character even died in the recent finale. Still, Doctor Who is all about time travel, so there’s nothing actually stopping him from returning. With new showrunner Chris Chibnall taking over starting with 2018’s season 11, the ball’s in his court now. Will he bring back the beloved villain? We certainly hope so.
Doctor Who next returns at Christmas, when Peter Capaldi’s Doctor will meet his end – but not before encountering his original incarnation, the First Doctor (David Bradley).
