New Sherlock Holmes Series Upends the Legend With a Bold Twist
Elementary, it’s not: a new Sherlock Holmes series is in the works, and this time the spotlight’s on the mastermind in the shadows — Professor James Moriarty. The Conan Doyle villain steps to center stage for a twisty, villain-led take on the classic mythos.
Right, we all know the world does not exactly want for Sherlock Holmes adaptations. If you throw a stone, you’ll probably hit a new take on Baker Street’s favourite violin-scraper. But get this – there’s a new TV series brewing that’s turning its back on Sherlock entirely. Instead, this one’s headed straight to the dark side: the spotlight is firmly on Professor James Moriarty, Holmes’s nemesis, the proper villain of the piece.
Who Needs Sherlock Anyway?
Here’s what’s going on. Archery Pictures and Fremantle – yes, the same Fremantle behind all sorts of British telly – are teaming up to develop a show about Moriarty himself. No, there’s zero casting news so far, so don’t expect to picture anyone in a wobbly top hat or swishing cloak just yet.
What absolutely jumps out, even in the earliest info, is the angle. Instead of the usual 'here comes Sherlock, let’s solve another murder', the show is tentatively titled 'Moriarty', and the plot is giving us what I can only call a proper role reversal.
Plot: It’s Complicated (and a Bit Cheeky)
The official pitch goes something like this: when another criminal gang tries to muscle in on Moriarty's own criminal operations, our villain has to rethink his approach. His solution? He actually teams up with the police as a consultant – yes, like Sherlock does – but all the while using their trust against them. The police think Moriarty’s helping, but he’s more interested in playing both sides, secretly taking down his enemies from within. He doesn’t want the coppers twigging who he really is, obviously.
Oh, and his new police partner? Detective Imogen Burrows, who apparently defines ‘stern Yorkshire detective’. The two of them make an unlikely team, but – and here’s the kicker – the biggest threat might not be the rival criminals at all. It’s Imogen herself, because she’s gradually putting the pieces together and realising Moriarty might not be just your everyday consultant.
- Writers: Chris Cornwell and Oliver Lansley
- Production: Archery Pictures and Fremantle co-producing
- Title (for now): 'Moriarty'
- Main Characters: Professor James Moriarty, Detective Imogen Burrows
- Premise: Moriarty goes 'full Sherlock', consulting for the police while sabotaging a rival gang and dodging his partner's suspicions
Producers Say It’s ‘Psychology of Villainy’
Now, production folks have big plans for this one. Kris Thykier, boss at Archery Pictures, says they’re keen to play right inside the criminal mind. Here’s what he actually said:
Maybe a bit dramatic, but you get the gist – they're treating Moriarty as much more than a moustache-twirling pantomime baddie. If all this comes off, expect more moral grey areas and less of Holmes’s grandstanding deductions.
Just so we're clear: not a word yet on casting, directors, or a release date. So it’s all on paper for now, but it's certainly not another Sherlock-as-usual job.