"Sherlock" lead star Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, reveals his doubts on the upcoming Victorian-themed one-off holiday special on BBC. According to Cumberbatch, when the creators presented him the idea of Sherlock traveling back in time, he initially thought that they have "gone mad."
Titled "The Abominable Bride," the Christmas special of "Sherlock" will be aired on New Year's day, Jan. 1, via BBC and over 100 cinemas. Talking with WalesOnline, Cumberbatch revealed, "I thought they’d finally lost the plot, jumped the shark, and all the other cliches of television gone mad with itself."
However, the "Black Mass" star had a change of heart, saying, "Then they expanded the idea and pitched it to me properly and now I think it’s fantastic; absolutely brilliant."
Cumberbatch also told the publication that they are hoping that they would not disappoint Sherlockians on the upcoming Victorian special, especially when many have seen them shooting in London donning Victorian costumes. Martin Freeman, who plays Sherlock Holme's pal and lovable sidekick also said, “I hope they like it. That’s all I can say. That’s all I think about everything I’ve ever done.”
"The Imitation Game" star also previously expressed to Independent his initial doubts on the Victorian-themed storyline. He said upon hearing of the concept, "I went, 'You're mad.' I genuinely didn't understand how they were going to get away with it. And then I got the more detailed pitch and I thought, 'OK, this is going to be great fun', And it really is."
Freeman also explained to WalesOnline that putting "Sherlock" in another era changes the dynamics of everything. The dressing, make-up, hair were longer as they required more detail than those set in modern times. However, even with the changes, "The Hobbit" star reveals that in terms of the characters' personalities, nothing has changed.
“I’m still recognisably John and Ben’s still recognisably Sherlock," explaining that "Sherlock's" creative team has maintained a conscious effort to “not to completely change the characters people have come to know and love."
The news outlet further states that "Sherlock's" Victorian special will still feature the friendship, intriguing mysteries and adventure for the detective and his pal. The two will track down the mystery of a ghost bride, who roams the streets of London, seeking revenge after killing herself.
Are you excited to see "Sherlock" back on the small screen after two long years of waiting? Catch Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and other characters on "The Abominable Bride" on Jan. 1 via BBC and select theaters.
