European production group Fremantle and UK independent studio Archery Pictures have joined forces to co-develop and co-produce a new drama series centered on Professor James Moriarty, the legendary arch-nemesis of Sherlock Holmes.
Bringing the project to life are writers Chris Cornwell (Strike Back) and Oliver Lansley (Flack), who have envisioned a modern reinvention of the crime procedural in which the professor secretly leads a double life as a criminal genius.
Rebecca Dundon, senior VP of scripted content at Fremantle, highlighted that the collaboration was born from an instant recognition of the project’s massive potential to build a commercial franchise around such an elusive character. While Fremantle will manage global distribution, the production group is still finalizing the series’ official casting and broadcast platform.
Fremantle and Archery founder Kris Thykier said: “We are thrilled to be working with Fremantle to bring to life the original and character driven spin off from the Sherlock Holmes universe that Chris Cornwell has created. Moriarty will show audiences what it takes to be a criminal genius, combining genre thrills with a playful, dark, and thrilling dive into the psychology of villainy.”
