New ‘Moriarty’ Series in Development Focuses on Sherlock Holmes’ Greatest Nemesis
A new TV series centered on one of the most iconic villains in detective fiction is currently in development, placing James Moriarty at the forefront of the narrative.
This information comes from industry reports regarding the project announced by Fremantle and Archery Pictures, the production company known for films like Operation Mincemeat. The working title for the series is Moriarty, and it aims to present a modern interpretation of the Sherlock Holmes universe.
Unlike most adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, which typically focus on the detective, this series shifts the spotlight to his most formidable adversary. In Arthur Conan Doyle’s original tales, James Moriarty is portrayed as a criminal mastermind often referred to as the “Napoleon of crime.” He is characterized by his high intelligence, manipulative nature, and his role in orchestrating some of the most intricate criminal networks within the Holmes universe.
In this reimagined version, Moriarty is depicted as a professor of criminal psychology at Durham University. While he appears to lead a quiet academic life, he is secretly managing a vast criminal enterprise throughout northern England. This duality is expected to be a central theme of the show.
According to the project description, the story kicks off when Moriarty’s concealed empire faces threats from a rival criminal organization. This predicament forces him into an unexpected role. Rather than simply retaliating as a criminal, he opts to collaborate with law enforcement as a consultant. The twist lies in his use of police resources to eliminate his foes while maintaining his secret identity.
The series will also introduce a new ally for Moriarty, Detective Imogen Burrows, a serious and disciplined detective from Yorkshire. Together, they form an unusual partnership driven by necessity rather than trust. As they work together to solve crimes, Moriarty continues to navigate his clandestine life in the background.
Moriarty’s notoriety in the Sherlock Holmes universe stems not from physical prowess but from his intellect. In Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, he is depicted as Holmes’ intellectual equal, capable of devising crimes with multiple layers without being directly involved. This makes him one of the most perilous figures in detective fiction.
The producers of the new series aim to delve deeper into Moriarty’s psychology. Instead of portraying him solely as a villain, the narrative will explore the thought processes, operations, and survival tactics of a criminal genius in a world designed to thwart individuals like him.
Fremantle describes the show as a “modern reinvention of the crime procedural,” with Moriarty at the center of a broader narrative about power, control, and hidden identities. The production team has also highlighted that this character allows for a darker and more intricate approach to storytelling within the Sherlock Holmes universe.
While the project does not yet have a broadcaster or streaming platform attached, it is currently being marketed internationally.
Casting details have yet to be revealed, but Moriarty has previously been portrayed by actors such as Andrew Scott in the BBC series Sherlock, where he became one of the most memorable interpretations of the character in recent times.
Though the new series is still in the early stages of development, it continues the trend of expanding the Sherlock Holmes universe by focusing on characters who were initially in supporting or villain roles.
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