Steven Moffat, the creator of the BBC program adapted from the adventures of the famous detective, confided that he would start writing a fifth season if the two leading actors agreed to return to the series.
Six years after its last broadcast, the British detective series sherlock will it have the right to a fifth season? At least that’s what program co-creator Steven Moffat suggested.
Interviewed by the media Deadlinethe screenwriter who is also working on Doctor Who, said he would “start writing new episodes” on condition that actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman agree to reprise the roles of Sherlock and Watson on the show.
“They’re off to bigger and better things, but Martin and Benedict, please come back…” the screenwriter joked.
A critically acclaimed series
Launched in 2010 in the United Kingdom and distributed in France from 2011, sherlock is a free adaptation of the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss which stages the famous duo formed by the London detective and his sidekick, Dr. Watson, in a contemporary context of the 21st century.
Upon its release, sherlock was a real critical success: the series was awarded the BAFTA Television Award for Best Drama Series for its first season in 2011 and was nominated for the prestigious Emmy Awards.
Since the broadcast of the fourth – and for the moment last – season of the series in 2017, Steven Moffat has made it known on several occasions that he wishes to work again on sherlock. In April 2022, however, the screenwriter estimated in an interview with RadioTimes that it was normal that Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman now wanted to draw a final line on this program.
“They were very loyal to this show for a very long time, when it became their lowest-paying job,” added Steven Moffat.
Since the broadcast of the series, which allowed them to become known to the general public, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have distinguished themselves in numerous successful films and franchises such as the Hobbit in 2013. Recently Benedict Cumberbatch also appeared in Doctor Strange and The Power of the Dog while Martin Freeman starred in Captain America and Black Panther.
“Maybe it’s too soon”
Asked by Esquire magazine about a possible return of sherlockBenedict Cumberbatch had assured in November 2021, that one should “never say never”.
“I really like this character…”, he said at the time.
And to add: “But I think it may be too early now to see him make a comeback. As wonderful as he is, he’s had his day. But that doesn’t mean he won’t. no new appearances in the future.”
For his part, Martin Freeman has for the time being also ruled out the idea of playing Dr. John Watson again. “I’m a fan of over things. But if something happens to persuade us all, and it really would have to be all of us, then my door will always be open.”
