The Hobbit's Peter Jackson will 'probably' direct Doctor Who episode, Steven Moffat says

Talks are undergoing but the director's hectic schedule is proving an obstacle

Steven Moffat has confirmed that he still wants Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson to direct an episode of Doctor Who, and talks are ongoing to make it happen.

Jackson, 52, is an open fan of the BBC sci-fi drama and said last year that he would be “very happy” to be involved.

It is the New Zealand director’s hectic schedule that stands in the way of concrete plans being made.

“He’s still incredibly busy on The Hobbit,” said showrunner Moffat. “I’ve spoken to him face to face and he would like to do one.

“He accepts that there’s no money and that there’s no time and it would have to be when he’s available – and I don’t think he’s even been available enough to answer our emails of late!”

Jackson is unbothered by the prospect of little or no pay, telling Entertainment Weekly that he would settle for “one of those nice new gold-coloured Daleks”.

Moffat thinks Jackson will want to transport the Tardis to Middle Earth (New Zealand to most), but he would prefer to keep shooting based in Cardiff.

Last year, Jackson joked that if they filmed an episode in his country, he would be keen for an All Blacks versus the Daleks rugby match.

“There’s a good story in there, although obviously the All Blacks would have to win!” he told SFX magazine.

The eighth series of Doctor Who is set to air in the UK on 23 August, after leaked scripts and footage forced the BBC to apologise to cast, crew and fans earlier this month.