'Sherlock' season 4 release date: Sacha Dhawan stars in premiere episode; Toby Jones features as Culverton Smith

Sherlock and Watson BBC

A report from Radio Times reveals that actor Sacha Dhawan has been cast for "Sherlock" season 4. The report points out that his official CV has listed the show amongst his work and he has listed his character's name simply as AJ. The report does state that the complete CV has since been taken down. 

It is also further explained that while the character AJ could be anyone in the world of "Sherlock," the actor himself has had a long experience working with Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, the creators of "Sherlock" and "Doctor Who."

Dhawan portrayed "Doctor Who" series creator Waris Hussein for the show's 50th anniversary special which focused on exploring the origins of the series. He also had a role for "The Tractate Middoth," which was written and directed by Gatiss. 

AJ is listed solely for the premiere episode, however, and it is undetermined if he will be making another appearance for the rest of the season.

Dhawan is not the only new face for season 4 as the series' new villain is set to be played by Toby Jones, known for his roles in "Wayward Pines" and the "Captain America" movies starring Chris Evans. 

According to The Cultbox, Jones is playing Culverton Smith. Smith made his appearance in "The Adventure of the Dying Detective," written by Sherlock Holmes author and creator Arthur Conan Doyle in 1913. Culverton is a genius villain who specializes in diseases and other bio-weapons. Culverton murders his nephew and later targets Holmes.

However, Holmes tricks everyone, including his friends and allies, and states he is sick and affected by Culverton's attack. Culverton is then tricked into confessing his crime for which the police and Sherlock properly arrest him now that proof came out of his own mouth.

"Sherlock" season 4 is expected to premiere this Christmas in the U.K. and will air in January in the U.S. 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
What should Christians make of Tommy Robinson?
What should Christians make of Tommy Robinson?

In demanding that the likes of Robinson be banned from the Oxford Union, the clergy are in effect setting their own limit on freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

Christian woman persecuted by Iranian regime sentenced to 9 years in prison
Christian woman persecuted by Iranian regime sentenced to 9 years in prison

A Christian convert in Iran has been sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison on trumped-up charges linked to state security and anti-government activity.

John Lennox fears AI is making us lazy
John Lennox fears AI is making us lazy

Christian media leaders heard calls for courage, authenticity and discernment at the recent Revive 2026 conference.

Does the Church of England need to re-think its messaging?
Does the Church of England need to re-think its messaging?

If you look at the Church of England’s communications all that it ever seems to highlight is the good works that Christians do to improve the temporal well-being of their neighbours. It is right to highlight these things, but they are not the primary reason for the Church’s existence.