Over a decade after captivating audiences as Dr John Watson in the BBC's Sherlock, Martin Freeman is stepping into a new kind of detective's shoes. The actor, now 54, is taking on the role of Superintendent Battle in Netflix's fresh adaptation of an Agatha Christie story, Seven Dials.
From Sidekick to Sleuth
In a recent interview, Freeman reflected on the significant shift from playing the brilliant Holmes's loyal companion to leading an investigation himself. "In Sherlock, I'm Watson, I'm not Sherlock. So I'm not the person doing the brilliant stuff," he explained. "And Battle isn't brilliant in the same way that Sherlock Holmes is... but he is the person who gets stuff done, and he is the person who is deducing things, so that was fun, seeing it from that side."
The series, written by Chris Chibnall of Broadchurch and Doctor Who fame, presents a modern spin on Christie's classic mystery. It follows the spirited Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, played by Mia McKenna-Bruce, who launches her own inquiry after her lover's sudden death. Freeman's Superintendent Battle enters the fray, unravelling a conspiracy at the heart of London while frequently clashing with the determined Bundle.
A Star-Studded Christie Ensemble
Seven Dials boasts a formidable cast alongside Freeman and McKenna-Bruce. The ensemble includes Helena Bonham Carter as Bundle's acerbic mother, Lady Caterham, with Edward Bluemel and Nabhaan Rizwan rounding out the key players. Freeman praised the collaborative atmosphere, stating, "Being on set with very good people all trying to do our best work is the reason I want to do what I do."
He also credited Chibnall's script for successfully updating the timeless Christie feel for a contemporary audience without losing the essence of the original work. "Chris has done a very good job of tweaking that a little bit more without losing Agatha Christie in the process," Freeman noted, adding that the script blends classic mystery with Chibnall's own wit and humour.
A New Chapter in the Murder Mystery Genre
For Freeman, the decision to join the project was driven by the quality of the material rather than the genre. "The truth is, I never think about genre. I just go on: 'Do I like the script?'. That is almost the beginning, middle and end for me of whether I do something or not,'" he revealed.
The three-part series, which became available for streaming on Netflix in January 2026, marks Freeman's return to a beloved genre where he once played the iconic foil. Now, as Superintendent Battle, he finally gets to be the one piecing the puzzle together, offering fans a fresh perspective on the classic whodunit from one of Britain's most beloved actors.
