CBS confirms ‘Game of Thrones’ star Natalie Dormer will not return as Moriarty in ‘Elementary’ season 2

Casting a big name for a show like Elementary seemed like a great idea, but CBS is quickly learning where they rank on Natalie Dormer’s radar.

During the CBS TCA Panel, it was confirmed that Dormer will not be returning as Moriarty during season 2.

Robert Doherty, creator and showrunner said “We unfortunately will not have a second crack at her this year as she’s very in demand. We could not adore her more.” 

Dormer heads back into production on Game of Thrones early this summer and will shoot well into the fall. Additionally, Dormer has signed on to the final two chapters of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay.

Doherty explains the twists and turns between Moriarty and Holmes.

“It seemed appropriate, given the plan to have a female Watson. There was symmetry to the plan that I liked,” Doherty said of also making Moriarty a female. “It also seemed the best way to break our Holmes was to say he made the mistake of falling in love once. Moriarty was devious enough to romance him and break him down.”  

E Online has a few more details on Doherty’s comments and casting wishlist – check it out here

There has been no word on a third season for Elementary.

Elementary airs Thursdays on CBS 10/9c