While appearing at London’s Comic-Con this past weekend, Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch spilled on the detective’s love life – or lack thereof.
The Doctor Strange and soon-to-be Avengers: Infinity War actor fielded questions about his turn as the famous super-sleuth, and even touched base on the speculation linking him with the vacant (?) Bond 25 role. Indeed, Cumberbatch is a name that’s been tossed around numerous times before when it comes to James Bond, along with the likes of Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, and even Jason Statham, but all signs currently point to Daniel Craig returning for one last hurrah in time for 2019.
Getting back to Sherlock, though, during last weekend’s panel, Benedict Cumberbatch addressed the romantic element underpinning the hit BBC detective series, joking that there’s only one true partner for Mr. Holmes.
“Now, there’s only one choice, isn’t there? Come on,” he told the audience of fans, before jokingly adding: “Doctor Watson.”
“I think it would have to be Molly, wouldn’t it? Love for him, after all, would be thinking more – maybe that’s asking too much – maybe thinking as much of someone else as he thinks of himself.”
Fans will no doubt remember Sherlock’s flirtation with Irene Adler (Lara Pulver) during “A Scandal in Belgravia,” though Cumberbatch was quick to draw a line between love and lust.
Was that love? Was that lust? It was another form obsession in a way for him. He couldn’t let her go as was explored as John questions him.
In closing, the Oscar-nominated actor stressed that Holmes’ love life is something he tends to keep private. And we all know how much Sherlock likes to keep his many secrets locked away in that mind palace of his.
It was probably better that that’s there in the world and he doesn’t really want to acknowledge it. It’s a secret for him. Love is something that’s unabashed and deeply private but not something to deem embarrassing and I don’t think he’s there yet.
Sherlock has always moved along at a glacial pace – remember, two and a half years elapsed between seasons 3 and 4 – but those of us pining for new episodes will have to wait for another two years. And that’s the glass-half-full estimation.