Doctor Who showrunner, Steven Moffat, recently sat down with Ed Stradling for an interview recorded for the Gallifrey 2013 convention in Los Angeles. During the interview, Moffat answers many questions Whovians have about the current series, the 50th anniversary, Series 8, and much more.

When questioned for clarification on the plans for the 50th anniversary special, Steven Moffat says “Don’t believe the nonsense about ONE 60 minute special for the anniversary.” He didn’t elaborate from that, but did make clear that there is a A LOT planned for the anniversary, and hinted that more details would be coming soon.

Also of interest is that Moffat verified that the anniversary special will be in 3D. While he explained how busy everyone is on the technical side of making this a reality, but did not elaborate on how this is going to be delivered to the viewers. Will it be released as a 3D Blu-ray, or will we see some form of theatrical release? No hints on those answers at this point.

Some other elements that Moffat emphasizes…

• The 2013 Christmas Special confirmed: “OF COURSE THERE’S GOING TO BE A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!”
• He goes into detail on the return of the classic villains, the Ice Warriors, in the upcoming episodes: “It was very much Mark Gatiss’ idea and it was very much his pitch,”
• Strax’s death in A Good Man Goes To War and his miraculous return as a living being in The Snowmen will be explained at some point.
• Moffat has no plans to bring back The Master, however, if someone brings him in within a great story and a great idea, he is open to the opportunity.
• He spoke of the long-story arc in Series 6, and the stand-alone episodes for Series 7, and implied that Series 8 will be completely different approach… but did not elaborate on specifics.
• Moffat wants first showrunner, Russell T. Davies back for writing stories – “He’s the best writer breathing when it comes to television,” he explains. “My God, did that man do his duty for [Doctor Who], but he probably wants a nice long rest from it – not a rest from being a fan, by the way, just a rest from being a writer.”
• Additionally, he seems really happy about Journey to the Center of the TARDIS, an episode in the upcoming second-half of Series 7.
• Outside of Doctor Who, Moffat also suggests that his other show, Sherlock, is soon to go into production! No specifics on timing were mentioned.

All things considered, it was a great interview. I’m sure the fans at Gallifrey 2013 will be thrilled with what the man has to say, though maybe frustrated at his slyness at dodging the question as to whether the Zygons will return! You can watch the full interview at this location.

The second half of Doctor Who Series 7 returns to television on March 30, 2013. The season will be followed by the 50th Anniversary Special to be broadcast in November, and then the annual Christmas Special. Also forthcoming is the drama documenting the historic creation of the Doctor Who series, produced by Mark Gatiss entitled An Adventure in Space and Time, as a part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

[Source: YouTube]