Elementary has found its Irene Adler.
Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer has been cast in the pivotal role on the CBS drama, the network announced Tuesday. She will begin her three-episode arc on May 9.
Irene Adler plays a significant part in Sherlock Holmes' (Jonny Lee Miller) past, as his first and only love in London. Her mysterious murder by Sherlock's nemesis Moriarty caused his downward spiral into drug addiction.
“We're moving to the next chapter in our show – and in some ways, to a previous chapter in Holmes' story,” said executive producer and creator Rob Doherty. “Irene Adler is perhaps the most pivotal relationship in Sherlock's life, and I can't think of an actress better suited to the challenge than Natalie.”
During winter press tour in January, Doherty hinted at Irene Adler's re-appearance in the second of the season. "She's an important element to Sherlock's backstory. I'd love to have a face to that name," he told reporters at the time. "She's got to be unique. You will see a living, breathing actress reading lines and portraying Irene," alluding that it could be in flashback form.
Elementary is a modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu), who help the NYPD crack cases. Following his stint in rehab, Sherlock lands in Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his sober companion, Dr. Watson.
Dormer's credits include Thrones and The Tudors, and she will appear in the upcoming films The Counselor and Rush.
Elementary airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays on CBS.
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