Toby Jones is the new Sherlock villain

Toby Jones will be joining the fourth season of Sherlock as one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s greatest villains.

A report by The Guardian confirms that the British actor, currently starring in the BBC comedy Detectorists, will be joining the upcoming season of the hugely popular modern day adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes stories. While no details have been revealed about his role, he will supposedly play a truly memorable villain.

Jones will make his first appearance in the second episode of the three-part fourth season of Sherlock. The actor expressed his excitement about the project, saying that he was “excited and thrilled” by the role.

The Sherlock showrunners likewise expressed how thrilled they were about Jones’ involvement in the show.

Steven Moffat said:

“Delighted to have Toby Jones on board, bringing to life one of Doyle’s finest villains.”

And co-writer Mark Gatiss said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome one of our finest actors to the Sherlock family. I know Toby will embrace the part with true relish.”

Toby Jones is an award-winning actor who gained acclaim and recognition for playing Truman Capote in Infamous and Alfred Hitchcock in The Girl. He has recently made memorable appearances in mainstream films such as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Captain America: The Winter Soldier while on television, he has played roles in Agent Carter and Doctor Who. He also provided the voice of Dobby the House Elf in the Harry Potter films.

The last time we saw Sherlock and John Watson was during the Christmas Special, The Abominable Bride, which aired last New Year’s Day. The special episode featured an adventure set in the Victorian era with the characters dressed up and acting like their literary counterparts. The upcoming season, however, will see them return to modern day London where John and Mary Watson are about to face the challenge of parenthood.

The fourth season of Sherlock has recently begun filming and is expected to air sometime in 2017.