Despite portraying best friends on screen in Sherlock, the real-life dynamic between Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch was far from friendly. Although their characters, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor John Watson, appeared inseparable throughout the four-series run, it is widely believed that the show would have continued if the two leads had genuinely gotten along.
Reports indicate that Freeman and Cumberbatch did not spend time together off-camera and failed to develop a friendship during their six years of working together. Their strained relationship remained largely hidden until one of them publicly criticized the other, revealing their "frosty" connection.
"Benedict and Martin aren't mates and they don't spend time together away from the show," a source told The Sun in January 2017. "They're professional and very polite to each other but there's not the warmth you'd expect after filming together for six years. There isn't a huge desire to come back for another season."
‘It is a mini-Beatles thing’
Freeman, known for his role in ‘The Office’, expressed his dissatisfaction with the intense fan attention generated by Sherlock, stating that the experience was no longer enjoyable. "Being in that show, it is a mini-Beatles thing. People’s expectations, some of it’s not fun anymore," he huffed. He described the pressure of living up to expectations and the negative consequences of falling short.
In contrast, Cumberbatch disagreed with Freeman's comments during an interview with The Telegraph in April 2018. He harshly dismissed his co-star's perspective, suggesting that it was "pathetic" to let external factors dictate one's perception of reality.
While Cumberbatch's remarks surprised fans of the BBC series, many insiders were already aware of the simmering tension between the two actors. Speculation arose among Sherlock viewers when Cumberbatch married Sophie Hunter in February 2015, wondering if Freeman would serve as his best man. However, Freeman was noticeably absent from the wedding photos, whereas Andrew Scott, who portrayed Moriarty, was seen at the ceremony.
‘We ain't f***ing lovers’
Cumberbatch's response to the rumors provided a glimpse into their relationship at the time, as he made a joking remark about the internet campaigns to have Freeman as his best man. Freeman also made it clear that their characters would not become romantic partners, despite the desires of some dedicated fans. He emphasized that their onscreen chemistry never hinted at a romantic connection, stating unequivocally, "We ain't f***ing lovers".
The alleged rivalry between Freeman and Cumberbatch seemingly began early in their casting process, as both actors had similar profiles in the entertainment industry. Freeman rose to fame as Tim Canterbury in 'The Office' in 2001, while Cumberbatch gained prominence for his portrayals of Julian Assange in 2013's 'The Fifth Estate' and Alan Turing in 2014's 'The Imitation Game'.
Some speculate that jealousy may have played a role, pointing to an interview given by Freeman in 2014 regarding his co-star's growing recognition after receiving an Oscar nomination. Ironically, the two actors would go on to appear together in 'The Hobbit' film series. However, this time it was Freeman who took the spotlight as the lead, Bilbo Baggins, while Cumberbatch contributed his voice and motion capture talents for the villains Smaug the dragon and the evil lord Sauron.
Meanwhile in the Marvel universe
Both actors have also joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), albeit in contrasting roles. Cumberbatch's popularity skyrocketed after signing a multi-picture deal to portray Doctor Stephen Strange, impressing audiences in films such as 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' and his standalone film, 'Doctor Strange', released in 2016.
Freeman, on the other hand, appeared in two Marvel movies, 'Captain America: Civil War' and 'Black Panther', in the role of Everett K Ross, a lesser-known character who works for the US State Department. He is set to reprise this role in the upcoming film 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'. Although they have not yet shared any scenes in the MCU, there remains a possibility of a future collaboration between the two actors.
