Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s master of deduction will be embarking on new-to-screen adventures in an animated series from Harry King Television and Shrek producer David Lipman. Working titled “Animated Sherlock,” the project will draw from The Unexpurgated Adventures of Sherlock Holmes novel series written by Nicholas Sercombe, who also serves as a producer as CEO of Harry King Television.
Skewing older in target demo, Animated Sherlock will follow the legendary consulting detective through seasons-long mystery arcs while connecting individual episodes to cases from the original Sherlock Holmes works by Doyle. The Unexpurgated books likewise tap into the Holmes canon — with titles like A Gander at the Blue Carbuncle and The Speckled Band Speculation. The animated adventures will also delve into the backstories of familiar characters including Holmes, Dr. Watson, Baker Street landlady Mrs. Hudson and the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty.
“Taking the animation route allows us to reimagine Sherlock Holmes on a grander, more imaginative and risqué scale than before,” Sercombe told Variety. “…[W]e are creating our very own Sherlock Holmes universe that feels both timeless and completely fresh — rich in character, humor and adventure.”
Aiding this animated expansion for Harry King Television’s scripted content slate, Lipman’s animation credits include the first two Shrek films, The Tale of Despereaux and The Ren & Stimpy Show. Sercombe’s pedigree boasts collaborations with British comedy notables such as Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer and Dame Edna (Barry Humphries) on series such as Top Tips and Two Old Farts in the Night.
The lead creative team on board also boasts Michael Ryan (Planet 51, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank) and Tim John (A Street Cat Named Bob).
[Source: Variety]
