Freeman’s Sherlock fans gripe is pathetic, says Cumberbatch
AS SHERLOCK HOLMES and Dr Watson in the BBC’S hit show, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are the closest of colleagues. Off-screen, they present a less united front.
Cumberbatch has described as “pathetic” Freeman’s unhappiness with the fan fervour that surrounds the programme. Speaking last month about the prospect of a fifth series, Freeman said: “Being in that show, it is a minibeatles thing. People’s expectations, some of it’s not fun any more. It’s not a thing to be enjoyed.”
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Cumberbatch was asked if the fans’ obsession with Sherlock had killed the fun for him.
He replied: “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 know. I don’t necessarily agree with that.”
Cumberbatch is promoting his role as Doctor Strange in Avengers: Infinity War. It is the latest film from Marvel, a franchise that also engenders strong feelings among fans. “There is a level of it [where] I understand what he means,” Cumberbatch said of Freeman’s comments.
“There’s a level of obsession where [the franchise] becomes theirs even though we’re the ones making it. But I just don’t feel affected by that in the same way, I have to say.”
Cumberbatch said of his engagement with Sherlock fans: “I’m very grateful for the support, but that’s about it.”