In a fascinating twist that’s sure to excite fans of detective fiction, Kit Harington’s latest project has been revealed as a secret Sherlock Holmes prequel. The TV film, titled Lot No. 249, is based on an Arthur Conan Doyle story and has been adapted by Mark Gatiss, co-creator of the BBC’s Sherlock. This revelation adds a new layer of intrigue to what was already a highly anticipated project, promising to delve into the origins of one of literature’s most iconic characters.
Harington, best known for his role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, takes on a lead role in this mysterious and thrilling narrative. Set in the Victorian era, the film is a clever reimagining of Doyle’s work, weaving in elements that hint at the early days of Sherlock Holmes, long before he became the legendary detective we know today.
The Secret Sherlock Connection
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Mark Gatiss’ Creative Twist
Mark Gatiss, a name synonymous with the modern reimagining of Sherlock Holmes, has taken creative liberties with Doyle’s original story, Lot No. 249. In this adaptation, Gatiss introduces a new character known as ‘The Friend’, played by John Heffernan. This character, though never explicitly named, is unmistakably Sherlock Holmes. He smokes Sherlock’s signature pipe, wears his iconic dressing gown, and even talks about moving to Baker Street.
Kit Harington’s Role in the Prequel
Harington’s character, Smith, a medical student, finds himself entangled in a series of mysterious events involving a mummified body and strange occurrences on campus. His interaction with ‘The Friend’ (Sherlock Holmes) lays the groundwork for the detective’s future adventures, offering a unique glimpse into his formative years.
Unravelling the Mystery
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A New Perspective on Sherlock Holmes
Lot No. 249 offers a fresh perspective on the Sherlock Holmes saga. By setting the story before Holmes’ rise to fame as a detective, Gatiss provides a rare look into the character’s early influences and experiences. This approach not only pays homage to Doyle’s work but also expands the Sherlock Holmes universe in an exciting new direction.
Blending Horror with Detective Fiction
The film, part of the BBC’s A Ghost Story for Christmas series, blends elements of horror with detective fiction. This combination, along with Gatiss’ flair for storytelling and Harington’s compelling performance, is set to offer a unique cinematic experience that straddles the line between the supernatural and the rational world of Sherlock Holmes.
Final Thoughts on this Sherlock Holmes prequel movie
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The revelation that Harington’s Lot No. 249 is a secret prequel to the Sherlock Holmes saga is not just a thrilling twist in the tale; it’s a stroke of genius from Mark Gatiss. This creative decision to explore Sherlock Holmes’ formative years through a narrative that predates his legendary detective career adds a rich layer to the character’s lore. It’s a bold move that promises to deepen our understanding of Holmes, shedding light on how his early experiences shaped his deductive prowess and his approach to the mysteries he would later solve.
Harington’s involvement in this project is particularly exciting. Known for his intense and brooding portrayal of Jon Snow, Harington brings a depth and complexity to his roles that is sure to complement the enigmatic world of Sherlock Holmes. His portrayal of Smith, a character unwittingly caught up in the early adventures of the soon-to-be detective, is poised to be a captivating performance, offering a fresh and intriguing perspective on the Holmes universe.
In conclusion, Lot No. 249 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Sherlock Holmes and the endless possibilities for storytelling within his world. Gatiss, a master of the detective genre, has once again demonstrated his ability to reimagine and revitalise classic tales, and his latest project with Harington is set to be a standout addition to the Sherlock Holmes canon. As fans of detective fiction and admirers of Gatiss and Harington’s work, we eagerly await this film, ready to be immersed in the early shadows of the world’s greatest detective.
What do you make of this news? Are you going to watch Lot No. 249? Did you realise that it was actually a secret Sherlock Holmes prequel from writer Mark Gatiss?
You can stream Lot No. 249 on BBC iPlayer right now.