Co-writer and director, Doug Naylor has shared some exciting news surrounding the future of the show, but fans may have to wait three more years for it to come to fruition
Red Dwarf fans are buzzing with excitement after co-writer and director Doug Naylor made an announcement about the show’s future on Sunday (October 12). Speaking at a Comic Con event in Bristol alongside Danny John-Jules (Cat) and Chloe Annett (Kristine Kochanski), Naylor revealed during a Q&A session that there are plans in motion to transform the beloved BBC sitcom into a theatrical production.
The cult classic originally ran for seven series on BBC2 from 1988 to 1999 before enjoying a revival in 2009. Additional series have aired since, though last month brought disappointing news when UKTV axed plans for a new three-part feature-length special, stating they were moving away from scripted comedy.
However, fan River Marie, who attended the Bristol event, captured footage for TikTok showing Naylor delivering much more encouraging news for devoted ‘Smeg Heads’.
“Discussions have taken place about doing a stage show at the O2 [in London] – probably about 10-12 shows,” he revealed.
Naylor continued: “But they want it to coincide with our 40th anniversary, which is in 2028. So I’m not saying it can’t be done before then, but there’s very much interest for us to do that.”
One thrilled fan responded: “Can I buy a ticket now please? ! Where can we sign up for information?”
A second exclaimed: “This would be so good!”
Whilst a third TikTok user praised Naylor: “I love how open he is with the fans.”
Regarding any future TV series, meanwhile, Naylor confirmed: “There are no plans at this moment in time – no network has presently commissioned anything.”
The latest series of Red Dwarf, Red Dwarf XII, wrapped up in November 2017, while a feature-length episode titled ‘The Promised Land’ aired three years later.
Naylor shed light on the cancellation of the special last month, revealing: “Back in January 2023, I went in for a meeting with UKTV who said they wanted to progress a new 90-minute Red Dwarf special. The cast were all on board and I was told to start writing.”
He continued: “Several months later, things were progressing and I had got two-thirds of the way through the script, I had just signed my writer’s contract, when I got an e-mail from UKTV who said they had difficult news to share – they were no longer going to commission scripted comedy, including the RD special, which I hadn’t yet sent them.”
Red Dwarf boasts a star-studded cast including the aforementioned John-Jules, Chris Barrie as Arnold Rimmer, Craig Charles as Dave Lister, Robert Llewellyn as Kryten, and Norman Lovett and Hattie Hayridge both playing Holly.
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