The True Story Behind Doctor Who's Abandoned Anniversary Movie
7. Rik Mayall, David Bowie And Brian Blessed Were Tipped To Play The Villain
There were a number of enticing star names linked to the role of the central villain Hawkspur. Rigelsford had previously written a book with Brian Blessed, so had suggested him for the role. Another name, David Bowie was of course familiar to the team from Jim Henson's Creature Workshop, who had worked with him on Labyrinth. It's not clear how advanced these discussions got past prospective names on a list, and given how Enterprises approached casting the Doctors (more on that shortly) they probably didn't get far.
The most enticing name on the list of potential villain actors was Rik Mayall. Graeme Harper had worked on The New Statesman with Mayall as Alan B'Stard (so too had Geoffrey Sax, who would eventually direct the 1996 TV Movie). Given their working history, the alternative comedian and actor was most likely Harper's top choice.
The prospect of Mayall killing Sylvester McCoy, then facing off against Tom Baker in a Doctor Who story is one of the series' great What Ifs. Despite the clear flaws in Lost in the Dark Dimension (as it was now known), Baker and Mayall's involvement would have ensured that it was nothing less than memorable.