Sherlock Revival With Benedict Cumberbatch Actually Happening?

By Charlene Badasie | Updated

Sherlock

Mark Gatiss, one of the co-creators of the hit BBC show Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, has recently discussed the possibility of a revival movie. “People think you can just wave a wand. It’s incredibly difficult to get people interested and get films made,’ he told The Guardian. “I remember talking to Edgar Wright about Ant-Man, into which he put eight years of his life and then didn’t make.”

“But, also, we were genuinely interested in making them for TV because we love TV. We would love to make a Sherlock movie. It’s the natural thing to do.”

Mark Gatiss, co-creator of BBC’s Sherlock

“Eight years is not short of a decade. Add a few of those up, you’re dead, and you’ve made four films. But, also, we were genuinely interested in making them for TV because we love TV. We would love to make a Sherlock movie. It’s the natural thing to do,” Gatiss continued, emphasizing how difficult it is to get movies off the ground.

Sherlock was a British television series that aired from 2010 to 2017, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular character, Sherlock Holmes, and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. The series was created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss and is based on the iconic detective stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

benedict cumberbatch martin freeman sherlock
Martin Freeman as Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock

Unlike traditional adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, which are set in the late 19th or early 20th century, the Benedict Cumberbatch-led series brings the detective and his cases into present-day London. The use of modern technology, such as smartphones and computers, plays a significant role in solving crimes.

Dr. John Watson, played by Martin Freeman, is a war veteran and becomes Sherlock’s flatmate and friend. In the series, Watson chronicles their adventures and investigative work on a personal blog, adding a contemporary touch to the storytelling. Each episode featured a unique and intricate mystery for Sherlock and Watson to solve.

Throughout its four-season run, the show received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and modern take on the classic detective stories.

The cases were often cleverly adapted from the original Conan Doyle stories, allowing the Sherlock series to maintain the essence of the detective’s brilliant deduction skills. One of Holmes’ most notorious archenemies, Professor James Moriarty, is portrayed by Andrew Scott in the series. Moriarty is a criminal mastermind who matches wits with Sherlock throughout the show.

Sherlock also delves into the personal lives of both Sherlock and Watson, exploring their struggles, friendships, and vulnerabilities. Throughout its four-season run, the show received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and modern take on the classic detective stories. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were praised for their chemistry and performances.

Sherlock quickly gained a massive global fan base, becoming a cultural phenomenon and contributing to the revival of Sherlock Holmes’ popularity in contemporary media. Despite its success, a fifth season is yet to be confirmed. Steven Moffat expressed his interest in writing a new season earlier this year, but the decision ultimately rests with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

However, both Sherlock actors have since enjoyed significant success in other projects, particularly within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Benedict Cumberbatch has portrayed Doctor Strange in multiple films, while Martin Freeman’s Everett Ross has become a notable presence in the Marvel film and television universe.

Steven Moffat expressed his interest in writing a new season earlier this year, but the decision ultimately rests with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

Despite their achievements in the superhero realm, both actors have expressed their willingness to return to their respective roles in Sherlock. In a 2021 interview with Esquire, Cumberbatch mentioned that it’s “too soon” for a return and that the series has “had its moment for now.” However, he also hinted at the possibility of revisiting the character in another iteration at some point in the future.

Freeman said he would consider returning for a fifth season of Sherlock (or a movie) if the script meets his expectations and if all the major actors and creatives are on board. He also suggested that a “one-off” project is more probable than a full-fledged season commitment.