Over the decades of film and television’s emergence, many characters from historical accounts and fictional stories have been brought to life. However, none quite as much as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s master of deduction, the willy detective, Sherlock Holmes. While the decades roll on by, the character maintains its appeal and his story looks set to be retold in new-to-screen adventures in an animated series from Harry King Television and Shrek producer David Lipman. Lipman is set to spearhead the project alongside company CEO Nicholas Sercombe. According to the report first shared by Variety, the new animated series currently operates under the working title Animated Sherlock, which will draw from Sercombe’s The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes novels while also signaling a marked departure from the franchise’s live-action roots.
“Taking the animation route allows us to reimagine Sherlock Holmes on a grander, more imaginative and risqué scale than before,” Sercombe told Variety. “Having David, Michael and Tim steering the series with us combines their legacy in animation with the well-loved classic IP.” The upcoming animated show, is intended for mature audiences and will feature season-long arcs, while also exploring original Sherlock Holmes cases from Doyle‘s work in individual episodes. Doyle‘s series of books were published between 1887 and 1927, and part of the team to bring this new creative adventure centered around the legendary character are Lipman — best known for helping produce the first two Shrek movies — Tim John (A Street Cat Named Bob), and Michael Ryan (Planet 51, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank).
Sherlock Holmes is Poised to Unravel the Mystery of Animation Next
When the animated adventures finally make it to screen, it will also delve into the backstories of familiar characters, including Holmes, Dr. Watson, Baker Street landlady Mrs. Hudson and the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty. “Together we are creating our very own Sherlock Holmes universe that feels both timeless and completely fresh – rich in character, humor and adventure,” Sercombe added in his written statement. “We are creating our very own Sherlock Holmes universe that feels both timeless and completely fresh — rich in character, humor and adventure.”
Interesting. That is likely the best way to describe this upcoming adventure. However, exactly how well it will perform remains unknown till the animated series actually premieres. Lipman‘s credits, which, beyond the Shrek movies, include The Tale of Despereaux and The Ren & Stimpy Show, bodes well. Also, with the constant, seemingly endless list of movies and TV shows that the IP continues to inspire, it is quite likely that the animated series will have an audience.
via Collider