Well the tv film was made with American money and it wasn't considered successful so they wouldn't fund any further episodes. The BBC didn't see it as potentially successful or worthwhile enough to bring it back either. For the next decade people were trying to get it back on air but it always fell through so everyone was surprised when it finally did come back in 2005. I guess with all the nostalgia and remakes floating around of old shows they probably thought it would work. I'm just really sad they chose Eccleston instead of bringing back McGann. Btw Paul McGann never stopped being The Doctor, ever since the film he has been recording audiodramas which are sometimes aired on the radio and are available on audio cd. I've only heard one so far but it was really good.