Sax directed the 1996 TV movie, which starred Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor and was intended as a transatlantic relaunch for the BBC sci-fi series.
Speaking at a BFI screening of Doctor Who: The Movie – restored in 4K for a new home media release – Sax revealed that he was actually in the frame to return for the revival, having previously worked with executive producer Julie Gardner on 2001 ITV drama Othello (also starring Eccleston).
However, despite being impressed by the scripts, Sax said he was unable to take on the episodes.
"I couldn't do them, obviously – it was a scheduling conflict, and I've regretted it ever since, because they were really, really good."
Sax also revealed that this was not the only time he was approached about returning to Doctor Who after the TV movie.
With a laugh, Sax added: "They've never asked me since."
View Green Video on the source websiteAlthough McGann's Doctor only received one full TV story, his incarnation has gone on to become a firm fan favourite through Big Finish audio dramas and his 50th anniversary return in The Night of the Doctor.
The release will be available as a Limited Edition Steelbook featuring the 90-minute adventure on both 4K UHD and Blu-ray, alongside standalone 4K and standard Blu-ray editions.
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Doctor Who is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Dive into our Doctor Who story guide: reviews of every episode since 1963, plus cast & crew listings, production trivia, and exclusive material from the Radio Times archive.
Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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