If Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Were Alive Today: Would He Like Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in ‘Sherlock’?

It's an interesting and somewhat hypothetical question: what would Sir Arthur Conan Doyle have thought about Benedict Cumberbatch playing Dr. John Watson and Martin Freeman as Mr. John Watson in the BBC's popular Sherlock series?

While we can only speculate, given that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has been deceased since 1930, there are some insights we can draw from his life and beliefs.

Sir Arthur's Views on Doyle and Adaptations

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is known for his skepticism towards spiritualism, but he also had a deep love for his creation, Sherlock Holmes. It's important to note that Doyle was not particularly fond of writing the Sherlock Holmes stories and novels. In fact, he penned these stories reluctantly, driven primarily by financial motivation rather than personal affection. Doyle's primary focus was on his non-fiction works and he even attempted to "kill" Holmes in The Final Problem, only to resurrect him due to public demand and a lucrative offer from The Strand magazine.

Realistic Expectations

Given that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle died more than forty-six years before Benedict Cumberbatch was even born, it's highly unlikely that he would have any firsthand opinions on the modern adaptation of his work. However, the question pushes us to consider how Doyle might have felt about modern interpretations of his creations.

Fan Perspective and Emotional Response

Imagine if someone took a book you wrote, altered it in significant ways, and published it. As the original author, how would you feel? Would you be upset about the changes or would you be excited to see your work reimagined? Many would argue that if Doyle were still alive today, he would likely be thrilled with the modern adaptation, especially one that manages to blend consistency with contemporary storytelling.

Modern Adaptation: A Balancing Act

The success of the Sherlock series lies in its ability to preserve the core characters and plotlines while infusing them with a modern twist. This balance might have appealed to Doyle, who would appreciate the respect paid to the original work. The performances by Cumberbatch and Freeman, along with the supporting cast, have breathed new life into the characters, making them relevant and engaging in the modern era. Consider the portrayal of Moriarty, Watson, and even the setting of 21st century London. The arcs and developments of these characters are as compelling and interesting as they were in Doyle's original stories.

Conclusion

While it's impossible to know for certain what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would have thought about the BBC's Sherlock, the preservation of key elements while adding a contemporary touch aligns with the spirit of Doyle's work. His recreated Holmes and Watson, played by Cumberbatch and Freeman, have not strayed far from the original characters, ensuring that fans of the author and his stories would still recognize them. Whether Doyle himself would have loved it or not, his legacy continues to thrive thanks to this modern adaptation.