Martin Freeman played John Watson in the BBC’s the state of the rights to Sherlock Holmes, many artists have had the chance to take some interesting creative liberties with the characters, resulting in some of the best adaptations.

Among them is the BBC’s Sherlock, created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. Sherlock brought the Great Detective and company to modern-day London, where Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) used modern technology to his advantage, without forgetting his unbelievable deduction skills and extensive knowledge. Of course, Cumberbatch’s Sherlock was accompanied by a modern version of John Watson, and their dynamic was one of the best parts of the show. However, ing Sherlock wasn’t an easy process for Freeman, but it all changed thanks to one thing.

Martin Freeman's Audition Went Better Once He Read With Benedict Cumberbatch

Martin Freeman’s Audition Had A Rough Start

Speaking to The Guardian in 2010, Gatiss shared that casting Watson was harder than finding the right actor for Sherlock Holmes. Gatiss said it was important that Watson wasn’t “an idiot”, but that as soon as Cumberbatch and Freeman came together, it was obvious to them that he was the Watson they were looking for. However, for Freeman, the audition process was different and less smooth than what Gatiss recalled in that interview.

Freeman shared that he arrived at the audition on his own and “didn’t do very well”, though he didn’t share exactly why.

Freeman shared with Elle in February 2025, in celebration of Sherlock’s 15th anniversary, what he recalls from the audition process. While Cumberbatch mentioned that learning the lines for the audition was hard but fun, Freeman shared that he arrived at the audition on his own and “didn’t do very well”, though he didn’t share exactly why. However, he added that he later read with Cumberbatch, and that’s when the audition greatly improved.

Before Freeman was cast, the first actor who auditioned for Watson was Matt Smith, who, according to Moffat, gave a very good audition but didn’t stand a chance as he was “clearly more of a Sherlock Holmes than a Dr. Watson” (Doctor Who Magazine, via Digital Spy). Moffat added that there was something “barmy” about him that didn’t fit the character, as they wanted someone a bit “straighter.” While Moffat and Gatiss ended up casting Freeman as Watson, Smith was later cast as the 11th Doctor in Doctor Who.

Martin Freeman And Benedict Cumberbatch's Auditions Foreshadowed Sherlock's Biggest Strength

They Truly Were Sherlock & Watson

While neither Freeman nor Cumberbatch elaborated on the details of reading together for Sherlock, this definitely foreshadowed what the show’s biggest strength would be. Cumberbatch fully embodied a modern Sherlock Holmes, with some added traits, gestures, and quirks, while Freeman brought some refreshing realness amid Holmes’ quick thinking and sometimes impulsive actions. Freeman had that more direct and grounded style that Moffat and Gatiss were looking for in their modern Watson, which was perfectly balanced with Cumberbatch’s quicker Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes And John Watson's Relationship Was The Heart Of Sherlock

Sherlock Thrived In Large Part Thanks To Holmes & Watson

Sherlock had many strengths, such as its writing (at least in its first two seasons), creativity, the way it visually showed Holmes’ train of thought, and its tone, but the heart of the show was definitely the dynamic between Holmes and Watson. The chemistry between the entire main cast of Sherlock is undeniable, but the one between Cumberbatch and Freeman is what carried the show and played a key part in its success, even in the show’s worst seasons.

Watson is the one person who grounds Holmes, while the detective shows the doctor that there’s a lot more out there waiting for him. While Holmes and Watson are very different, that’s exactly what makes their relationship so iconic, and Cumberbatch and Freeman’s chemistry was so natural that it showed on screen. Sherlock might not have succeeded the way it did had it had a different pair of lead actors, and despite a rough first audition, I’m glad Martin Freeman was cast as Watson.

Sources: The Guardian, Elle, Digital Spy.