BBC's popular detective sitcom Sherlock Holmes was nearly refused by its lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

In a report by the New York Post, the 37-year-old star was hesitant to accept the detective role because he thought it was "cheap and cheesy". Cumberbatch also believed that the fictional character does not need rewriting since it have been highly dramatized for decades in film and television. He was not keen to be part of a franchise whose aim is to just make money.

The "Star Trek: Into Darkness" actor changed his mind upon knowing that Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss were behind its revival, realizing that the two wouldn't settle for anything "cheesy."

Mr.Cumberbatch, who later fell in love with the BBC series' script, achieved a large following upon playing the eccentric detective role.

It is not the only thing that "12 Years A Slave" actor relates his success.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, his looks was praised for having a "timeless" look which the actor did not take seriously at first.

"It's the blessing of having a weird face," Cumberbatch explained why he is being considered one of the sexiest actor today. "Somewhere between an otter and something people find vaguely attractive."

"I've got a long neck, a long face -- that's usually period," Cumberbatch stated further. "That's usually some kind of inbreeding weirdness."

After those self-deprecating remarks, Cumberbatch noted that timelessness is important to one's heritage and work, but looks is just part of the equation in his success.

Though he thank people who consider him attractive, he does not flatter him that much as he believes that it's all in how you play the role.

"I know a lot of it is projection, which is kind of flattering about the work," the "Sherlock Holmes" told The Hollywood Reporter.