It’s been seven years since the BBC mystery series Sherlockthrilled audiences and fans are eager for more adventures with the iconic detective. Benedict Cumberbatch starred in the titular role with Martin Freeman as his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson, for four seasons from 2010 to 2017. Show creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have expressed interest in serving up a fifth installment and now producer Sue Vertue has hinted at the potential future of the TV franchise.
Vertue explained in a new interview with Deadline that a Sherlock revival would depend on whether the actors are willing to return. Despite rumors of on-set tension between the two lead actors, Cumberbatch and Freeman have expressed interest in reprising their roles. There is currently no active development underway, but Vertue isn’t ruling out a comeback. She said:
“We love that show and there is a future for it. One day. Maybe. If everyone wants to do it. I’ve still got the set in storage somewhere, which is probably rotten, to be honest with you. It’s just getting everybody aligned, it’s getting the actors to want to do it.”
Sherlock Creators Game for Season 5
Moffat confirmed in 2023 that he’s ready to launch a fifth season, contingent on Cumberbatch and Freeman committing to come back. Earlier this year, Gatiss, who portrayed Sherlock’s older brother Mycroft Holmes in the series, mentioned the possibility of a film adaptation but acknowledged the challenges of coordinating everyone’s schedules. In 2021, Cumberbatch told Esquire that he’s open to the idea of a Sherlock Season 5, saying:
“I really like that character. It’s just, the circumstances need to be right and I think maybe it’s too soon now to see it have another life. I think, wonderful as it is, it’s had its moment for now. But that’s not to say it wouldn’t have another iteration in the future.”
Sherlock’s four seasons feature three movie-length episodes that garnered numerous Emmy Awards for outstanding acting and writing. A renewal of the crime drama would surely reignite fans’ enthusiasm for the captivating mysteries and adventures of the super sleuth. After the series concluded, Freeman and Cumberbatch went on to Hollywood, with both actors starring in the hugely successful Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cumberbatch’s return to Sherlock would no doubt generate excitement within the franchise, potentially attracting new viewers who are MCU fans and eager to see the Doctor Strange star’s fresh take on the literary icon.
The dynamic duo last shared the screen in 2017 for their final episode, titled “The Final Problem,” which, unfortunately, was panned by fans and critics alike. Gatiss told The Guardian in 2023 that creating a Sherlock movie is the natural next step, saying “We would love to make a Sherlock movie. It’s the natural thing to do.” Perhaps this would offer them a chance to make up for the series finale…
You can stream all four seasons of
Sherlock
on Hulu.