Scaring Sherlock Holmes is anything but elementary. The famous detective is well-known for his genius wit and incomparable sleuthing skills. While Sherlock has been depicted various ways over the decades, one of the character’s most popular iterations is in BBC’s Sherlock series. And, ahead of the show’s fourth season, Sherlock is now teasing that its newest villain is their scariest yet – so much so that even Sherlock was thrown off.
Following their appearance at this year’s San Diego Comic Con, Benedict Cumberbatch spoke with Collider alongside Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. The trio was tight-lipped about the upcoming season’s secrets, but they did discuss its intensely dark villain.
Videos by PopCulture.com
When they were asked how Toby Jones’ new villain would differ from Sherlock‘s previous baddies, Moffat was keen to emphasize the character’s horrifying nature.
“He’s completely different. It’s a completely different character. He’s the darkest villain we’ve had,” Moffat said. “There was always something charming and engaging about Moriarty. There was something fascinating and actually amoral, rather than immoral, about Charles Augustus Magnussen. This guy is the purest evil. Sherlock is actually appalled by him. He’s the most evil villain we’ve had. I don’t think that when you see it, you will disagree. He’s horrific.”
Mark Gatiss also chimed in, saying, “Magnussen was a very blank, chilling business man. He doesn’t see what he’s doing as evil. Toby is doing something very interesting…We’ve given him terrible teeth, which are symbolic of the rot inside him. It’s a great complex, shaded character. You’re not quite sure what the relationship is with him.”
Toby Jones’ character, in fact, appears as if he’ll be one of many things adding to the show’s dark tone. Benedict Cumberbatch told the site that Sherlock will be, “Myopically dark. You’re talking about the end of the universe darkness. You can’t see in front of you and would walk into everything dark.”
Currently, there’s no set premiere date for Sherlock‘s fourth season, but fans are already anticipating the return of one of their most beloved series. So long as Sherlock and Watson are back in action together, there are few ways fans could possibly be disappointed.
