Continuing to revamp Arthur Conan Doyle's stories of the detective, the release of the movie Enola Holmes 2 is a triumphant return of the beloved main character, the sister of the renowned Sherlock Holmes. In this movie, like its predecessor, the latter is played by Henry Cavill, who brings his own signature charm to one of detective fiction’s most famous figures.
Cavill is just one of many actors who have played Sherlock Holmes, taking more of a supporting role than the usual headliner of his fascinating story. Unsurprisingly, Redditors have been very forthcoming in sharing their opinions about who has the best portrayal of the character, and while some are the usual suspects, there are also a few surprises.
Jeremy Brett
For many Redditors, Jeremy Brett remains the quintessential Sherlock Holmes. He manages to capture so many of the book mannerisms of the character, and the TV series in which he appeared was notable for capturing both the feel of the series as well as the plots of the original stories.
Kinshuk7566 writes that, upon seeing Brett in the role, “I knew what it was like to feel the lines between fact and fiction blur away.” Indeed, for many growing up in the 1980s and 1990s, Brett was the face most associated with the detective, and to this day, his portrayal remains one of the most indelibly faithful to Doyle’s description of the character.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. played many notable roles, and though he is most famous as Tony Stark/Iron Man, he has also received praise for his interpretation of Sherlock Holmes in the movies directed by Guy Ritchie. FuuMaanChuu writes that “Downey is really fun to watch as Sherlock but for me he is a whole different character. His charisma is great.”
It is true that his character deviates from other screen interpretations, but Downey’s undeniable charisma more than makes up for the lack of faithfulness to the source material. What’s more, he also does manage to capture a certain know-it-all attitude that is very Sherlockian.
Basil Rathbone
As famous as Brett is as Holmes, he is almost matched by Basil Rathbone. The British actor was renowned in his time for his ability to inhibit the skin of this particular character, and he still exerts a hold on many Redditors. FuuMaanChuu writes that “Rathbone is not text accurate but really fun to watch.”
There is something uniquely pleasurable about the Rathbone movies, showing a finely trained actor at the height of his craft. And, just as importantly, Rathbone simply has the look of Holmes, with his haughty, quasi-aristocratic bearing.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch has many great roles under his belt, and one of the most notable of these is as Holmes in the series Sherlock. With his rich, deep voice, and his undeniable hauteur, he manages to bring the character firmly and seamlessly into the 21st century.
His performance has also impressed many Redditors. DarkCompetitive3490 puts it this way: “He really did a great job in bringing the eccentric nature of Holmes.” Indeed, it is precisely his strangeness that makes him such a compelling figure for others to watch, which helps to explain why he remains so popular among the show’s fanbase.
Rupert Everett
Though he might not have quite the iconic status as some of the others who have portrayed Sherlock Holmes, Rupert Everett still has his fair share of admirers. Pavinaferrari puts it this way: “I loved Rupert Everett from the Case of the Silk Stocking.”
There is something very dashing about the particular energy that Everett brings to the role. He may not be quite as splashy as some, but there is nevertheless a certain knowing campiness to his performance. He shares a wry joke with the audience that helps to set it apart from other portrayals.
Vasily Livanov
While many of the most notable Sherlock interpretations have come from British actors, one notable surprise in the Reddit responses is Vasily Livanov. The Russian actor portrayed the character with an incredible degree of fidelity, and the various television movies in which he appeared were remarkable for the degree with which they captured Doyle’s original stories and their atmosphere.
Rover23 simply states that “All opinions are subjective and I personally think Vasily Livanov's performance is the best.” It is remarkable the degree to which he was able to seemingly inhibit the character, which helps explain why western audiences were as astounded as their Soviet counterparts.
Johnny Lee Miller
Elementary has quickly become one of the best Sherlock adaptations, with a number of interesting adaptations. Johnny Lee Miller has also impressed a number of Redditors, including dotnoodle191984, who writes: “I just love how he brings Sherlock to the modern world and explains how he solves cases but still has the quirky Sherlock ways. Think it also helps just how many episodes there are so we really get to know him.”
It’s to Miller’s credit that he both manages to capture so much of the original character while also putting his stamp on it. And, as the Redditor rightly points out, he also makes Sherlock into a character that those in the modern world can also understand and appreciate. Hence, Elementary has come to be seen as one of the best procedurals.
Robert Stephens
Most of those who take on the role of Sherlock prefer to play it in a direct, dramatic style. This wasn’t the case with Robert Stephens in Billy Wilder’s The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, which is a slightly more comedic approach. As Bronsonkills writes, Stephens gives “a more comedic performance but with a lot of pathos and dramatic moments. Stephens isn’t quite the Holmes of canon but one close to my heart.”
More than anything else, Stephens is quite simply entertaining in the role of Sherlock Holmes. His performance demonstrates that there are many ways in which one can approach such an iconic and beloved character.
John Gielgud
Sherlock has appeared in many movies and TV shows, but he has also appeared in radio. Of those who have voiced him, one that impressed many Redditors was the late John Gielgud, arguably one of the most notable actors of his generation. Kellykebab writes that “As a combination, I like the John Gielgud-Ralph Richardson pairing in the BBC radio series from the mid-50's the best.”
There is something calming about Gielgud’s delivery. This helps to give the entire performance an air of class and prestige which is very common in depictions of Sherlock Holmes.
Peter Cushing
Though he might be most famous now for playing Grand Moff Tarkin, one of Star Wars' best villains, Peter Cushing has a very diverse filmography. Among other things, he played Sherlock Holmes in both movie and TV versions. As FuuMaanChuu simply puts it: “Peter Cushing was also pretty good as always.”
What’s intriguing about Cushing’s performance is just how easily he slides into the role. Though he hasn’t left as indelible an impression as others–most notably Brett–there is still something endearing about the attention to detail that he brings to his performance, making it clear just how much he enjoyed being in this particular role.