The Long-Awaited Return: Creator Finally Opens Up About Sherlock Movie 6 Years Later

Summary

Previously, Steven Moffat, co-creator, expressed his desire to write a fifth season, but its feasibility hinges on the involvement of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

Both Cumberbatch and Freeman have experienced success in other ventures, but they remain open to the idea of returning to Sherlock if the circumstances are right, hinting at the possibility of a revival. Six years after the conclusion of the BBC show, Sherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss discusses the potential for a revival movie. The show, based on the beloved character created by author Arthur Conan Doyle, was developed by Gatiss and co-creator Steven Moffat, and first aired in 2010. Running for four seasons and one special episode, the series starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and Martin Freeman as his loyal sidekick John Watson, concluding in 2017.

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Gatiss discusses the possibility of a Sherlock movie after the conclusion of the television series. While expressing interest in the idea, he emphasizes the difficulty of getting films made in today's industry. Gatiss highlights the challenges by referencing Edgar Wright's experience with Ant-Man, which took eight years of his life and ultimately did not come to fruition. Despite the obstacles, Gatiss and the team are genuinely interested in bringing Sherlock to the big screen as they have a love for both television and movies.

Could A Sherlock Revival Actually Happen?

Sherlock garnered critical acclaim and maintained strong ratings throughout its four-season run. However, a fifth season is yet to be realized. Earlier this year, Moffat expressed his willingness to write a Sherlock season 5, but its actual occurrence relies on the decisions of Cumberbatch and Freeman. Both actors have attained significant success in other projects, particularly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Cumberbatch has portrayed Doctor Strange in multiple MCU films, while Freeman's Everett Ross has become a prominent figure in both Marvel films and TV. Nevertheless, despite their triumph in the superhero realm, both actors have previously indicated a willingness to reprise their roles under suitable circumstances. In 2021, Cumberbatch told Esquire that it is "too soon" to make a return for now, as the series has had its moment. However, he subtly suggests that he is open to "another iteration" in the future.

Freeman emphasizes that the possibility of his return for Sherlock season 5 or a movie depends on the quality of the script and the return of other key actors and creatives. Currently, he suggests that a standalone episode is more probable than a complete season 5. Given that both the creators and lead actors express their openness to future Sherlock projects, fans should not completely dismiss the potential for a revival at this stage.