Yeah, it’s more than just a TV show, but the actors are professionals and cannot be expected to serve in any capacity whatsoever after their contract is up.
I am not taking about legal responsibility. I just think actors should make their minds up before taking the role about whether or not they would be willing to return for the anniversaries. If not, don’t take the role at all. When you sign on for a part like the Doctor, there is much more to it than just the contractual requirements.
It’s nice when they participate, but how many SW conventions has Harrison Ford attended? One in 40 years? The actors are people and each have their own lives, priorities, and work/family schedules.
I didn’t know he only attended 1 convention in 40 years. But his case is different:
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When he signed on to play Han Sole in Star Wars, he couldn’t have any idea what kind of thing Star Wars was going to become. Eccleston knew what kind of the role the Doctor was when he took the part.
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He still came back and played the role in The Force Awakens. Eccleston did not come back, to the detriment of the 50th Anniversary Show.