In an unexpected casting choice that would puzzle even Sherlock Holmes himself, comedic actor Randall Park has been revealed as the infamous Professor Moriarty in CBS' new series "Watson."
The 50-year-old actor, best known for his lovable dad role in "Fresh Off the Boat" and lighthearted performances in "Blockbuster" and "WandaVision," takes on his most sinister role yet as Holmes' legendary nemesis.
"I'm known for playing amiable, nice guys. So it was a surprise to get the call. A welcome surprise," Park told USA TODAY. "The idea of playing a villain is thrilling to me."
The revelation came in the final moments of Sunday's series premiere, with Park's Moriarty appearing inconspicuously on Pittsburgh's Duquesne Incline cable car, wearing an unassuming white polo shirt with the cryptic logo "Always & Everywhere."
Executive producer Craig Sweeny explained the unconventional casting choice: "That affability disguises something much more sinister. He's the guy who could fix your washing machine or your disc drive."
The show's creators maintained such secrecy around the character that Park's role was coded as "Pittsburgh Dad" in scripts and even on his trailer during filming.
While previous portrayals of Moriarty have been notably theatrical - from Sir Laurence Olivier's take to Andrew Scott's memorable performance in BBC's "Sherlock" - Park's version offers a deliberately understated approach that makes the villain all the more unsettling.
The series follows Dr. John Watson (Morris Chestnut) as he leads Pittsburgh's Holmes Clinic after believing both Holmes and Moriarty perished in a Swiss waterfall incident. Park promises viewers will see more of Moriarty throughout the season, with his presence felt even in episodes where he doesn't appear on screen.
"Just like the shirt says, he's always there, always watching," Park noted, hinting at the calculated menace beneath his character's everyday appearance.