The upcoming series,Young Sherlock, offers a unique glimpse into the formative years of the iconic detective, but for two of its stars, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Joseph Fiennes, the experience was deeply personal – they play father and son.
Hero, known for his role in theAfterfilms, found himself sharing the screen with his real-life uncle, Joseph, who embodies Sherlock’s father, Silas Holmes. This wasn’t simply a professional collaboration; it was a chance to build upon a pre-existing bond and bring a natural dynamic to their characters.
“It’s a luxury to have the relationship we do, and to be playing characters with a similar connection,” Hero explained. “Any familiarity that creeps in just works, it really does.” Joseph wholeheartedly agreed, noting the advantage of a genuine connection that actors often strive for through extensive work.
Joseph described the ease of their on-screen chemistry as something “we get for free,” allowing them to fully embrace the familial nuances of their roles. He playfully acknowledged being “obviously uncle Joe” to Hero, but also recognized the profound impact of growing up observing Joseph’s craft alongside their brother, Ralph.
Hero spoke with admiration of his uncle’s talent, describing him as an actor he’d long aspired to emulate. He found the experience both inspiring and enjoyable, a sentiment Joseph quickly mirrored, hoping he wasn’t perceived as “the stodgy old uncle.”
The praise flowed both ways. Joseph lauded Hero as “sublime” and “hugely talented,” impressed by his dedication and thorough approach to his work. He also highlighted Hero’s grace and consideration towards the crew, a quality he found particularly commendable.
Young Sherlockisn’t a traditional retelling of the detective’s origins. It boldly reimagines the relationship between Sherlock and his notorious adversary, Moriarty, as an unexpected friendship. This unconventional approach, initially surprising, ultimately enriches the established lore.
“You have a knee-jerk reaction at first,” Hero admitted, “but you quickly realize this twist actually justifies so much of what you read in Conan Doyle’s original works.” The series aims to provide a fresh perspective while remaining true to the spirit of the source material.
Joseph was particularly drawn to the show’s exploration of the complex father-son dynamic, inspired by the real-life experiences of Arthur Conan Doyle himself. Doyle’s own father was an artist struggling with alcoholism, a fractured relationship that subtly influenced the character of Sherlock Holmes.
“That sense of a relationship that’s both fractured and beautiful is something that plays out within the family dynamics of Sherlock,” Joseph explained. “Matthew [Parkhill, the creator] picked up on it, and it’s really rich and good fun to explore.”
Both actors emphasized the sheer enjoyment of bringing this story to life, a testament to the collaborative spirit and ambition of the production. Joseph, channeling the spirit of Conan Doyle, concluded with a fitting analogy: “Conan Doyle once said, ‘If you’re feeling low, jump on a bicycle, go for a ride.’ Hero, Matthew, and Guy have delivered the best exhilarating ride for eight episodes – it’s a true lift for the spirits.”
