Toxic feude! Sherlock and Watson!
Martin Freeman and Sherlock co-star Benedict Cumberbatch played best friends on the show. The reality could not be more different.
The feud behind-the-scenes started almost immediately, as their rivalry started at the same time as their shoot together, maybe even earlier.
Inseparable friends Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John Watson, for four seasons of the series, but off-camera, things were a different story. Many even believe that this animosity was the reason for not making it to season 5. Are the actors to blame for millions of fans around the world not seeing the last season of their favourite show?
The actors spent time together only while shooting scenes, and that lasted for six years. They were polite and professional but there was no warmth or friendship between the two. The "frosty relationship" between them was kept secret, but that could not keep it out of the public eye forever, as one called the other pathetic.
Freeman seemed not too happy with the intense attention he got by playing Watson. He also expressed his dissatisfaction as the expectations of fans made it stop being fun, as he felt compelled to do things he seemingly stopped enjoying or did not want to do in the first place
After that, Cumberbatch disagreed and said it is pretty pathetic as things like that happen with every successful franchise.
"It’s pretty pathetic if that’s all it takes to let you not want to take a grip of your reality. What, because of expectations? I don’t necessarily agree with that."
That was quite of a shock for the fans, as they had so many plans for Sherlock and Watson, but, it was no surprise for no one at BBC or even in the industry.
When Benedict got married, fans were almost sure that Freeman will be the best man. However, he was not on the guestlist for the wedding. Cumberbatch even made a joke when asked about it, as the online community rooted for Freeman as his best man. Benedict said that he was sure the fans would like that and that it is up to them to talk to Martin about that.
Freeman was almost angry at fans for wanting Sherlock and Watson to end up together, as lovers. He even said that there was never such a plan and they have never played a love scene.
Why the rivalry?
Elementary, my dear Watson! Some think it is pure jealousy, some think it is competition for roles as the actors had similar profiles in the showbiz world.
However, on-screen, they are both professionals and even after some not so pleasant comments in interviews they worked together on The Hobbit movies where Freeman had the lead role, and Benedict was the voice and motion of the Smaug, the dragon and Sauron. Later, both became a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe even though it seems that Sherlock is better off as he did get more movie deals and Watson appeared in two movies as a not so famous character Everett K. Ross.
