“A Mask for a Darker Intent”: Watson Creator Discusses Unexpected Moriarty Casting Decision

This article contains spoilers for Watson.

Introduction to CBS’s Watson

On January 26, CBS launched its new drama, Watson, featuring Morris Chestnut as the titular character. This series is set against the backdrop of a year following the mysterious demise of Sherlock Holmes, attributed to his notorious adversary, Moriarty. Adjusting to life without his friend, Dr. John Watson has established the Holmes Clinic in Pittsburgh, focusing on his medical career. However, the shadow of Moriarty looms large, leaving Watson uneasy about the potential for his nemesis to return.

Randall Park’s Surprising Role as Moriarty

In an insightful discussion with Deadline, series creator Craig Sweeny revealed the choice of casting Randall Park, known for his roles in Fresh Off the Boat and WandaVision, as Moriarty. Sweeny shared how he envisioned breaking stereotypes tied to traditional villain portrayals, seeking to recontextualize Park’s well-known affability:

I had a pre-existing relationship with Randall, not a huge one, but enough that I had his number in my phone, and we were friendly. I was getting a lot of interest in the role of Moriarty from great actors, but people who are more traditional villains. And I was just interested in the idea of really inverting his persona, the idea of what if Randall Park’s affability and smile and his famous and completely genuine niceness were a mask for something much more sinister.

Sweeny, who previously produced the acclaimed series Elementary, highlighted how this unique approach to Moriarty creates intriguing narrative challenges. He confirmed that Park will feature prominently throughout the first season, further enhancing the depth of this iconic character:

I thought that was a really interesting writing challenge and a really interesting way to present the character of Moriarty and that performer as well. I sent him a text and said, would you want to do that? Obviously, there are negotiations that needed to happen but there was interest right from the get-go, we’re very fortunate. He comes back quite a bit over the course of the season.

Implications of Park’s Casting for the Series

The Decision That Surprised Audiences

Moriarty (Randall Park) in Watson season 1, episode 1, smiling menacingly and pointing

Viewers’ expectations regarding Moriarty are actively subverted throughout the series. Much of this suspense began even before the show’s premiere, as the cast, including Rochelle Aytes, Eve Harlow, and others, was revealed through media reports. Notably, Aytes portrays Watson’s ex-wife in this intricate narrative.

Cast and Characters of Watson

Watson: Cast & Characters
Actor	Character	Description
Morris Chestnut	Dr. John Watson	A former consulting detective turned physician.
Eve Harlow	Ingrid Derian	A skilled neurologist with a complex past.
Peter Mark Kendall	Stephens Croft and Adam Croft	Identical twins specializing in medicine.
Inga Schlingmann	Sasha Lubbock	An expert in rheumatology and immunology.
Ritchie Coster	Shinwell Johnson	A former London criminal working at the clinic.
Rochelle Aytes	Mary Morstan	Watson’s ex-wife and the clinic’s medical director.
Randall Park	Moriarty	Watson’s significant adversary.

Watson’s portrayal of Moriarty also involves a significant twist, showcasing the character’s involvement in a tech company named Always & Everywhere. This elevation of the villain adds a layer of intrigue and modernity. Although Park is credited as a special guest star, his established presence in past roles suggests his influence will resonate throughout the series.

Final Thoughts on Randall Park as Moriarty

Park’s casting represents an innovative move, crafting a villain who deviates from the anticipated norms. The blend of his comedic background with the menacing characteristics of Moriarty has made the series remarkably captivating. As Watson continues to engage audiences, it poses questions about the future of Moriarty within its storyline.

Don’t miss Watson’s return to CBS on Sundays at 9 PM ET, beginning February 16.

Source: Deadline

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