Benedict Cumberbatch Has A Condition For Considering A Return To Sherlock, And It Would Change How The Show Is Made

Benedict Cumberbatch reveals his condition for considering a future return to Sherlock, something that would change how the show is made. Sherlock season 5 has been theorized ever since season 4 ended, with rumors unfolding near the end of the series that a secret continuation episode was being produced. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case, and the series has remained dormant for eight years since season 4, episode 3, “The Final Problem.” Even so, series co-creator Steven Moffat and Watson actor Martin Freeman have expressed interest in returning, should another batch of episodes come to pass.

Speaking with Variety in a video interview, Cumberbatch explained how he would be willing to consider returning to Sherlock if he saw a complete script for season 5 beforehand. Speaking at 0:22, he explains how he would want to collaborate with Moffat and Freeman once again, so long as the writing was finished ahead of time. This is different from how the previous seasons were made, with the scripts for the whole season incomplete prior to production starting. Check out what Cumberbatch had to say below:

There’s something about it, held in its memory as it is. And it’s so tantalizing, you know, you leave them or yourselves wanting more. There’s always that itch to scratch. But I think it would have to be the superlative version of what we’ve already achieved. And I would like a script to read.

Which was not the normal way of doing it, naturally enough. You know, Steven [Moffat] and Mark [Gatiss] are trusted entities and I was just only too glad to be fed by their script. But I think this has to be a little bit more like, if we’re all gonna do this together, let’s have a read.

What Cumberbatch’s Statement Says About The Future Of Sherlock

The Production Would Need Some Major Changes If It Actually Happened

Given Cumberbatch’s willingness to return, it seems like the detective series could theoretically come together to create a follow-up season in the future. However, this would necessitate some major changes in the scripting, which could help with Sherlock‘s book adaptations and how it approaches Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s source material. Based on the lead actor’s statement, a stellar script would need to be presented, one that has already considered the story’s overarching direction from the very start.

However, there’s no guarantee the actor would approve of the script, nor that the story’s continuation would be the best direction to take the series. While the show remained popular even during the final episodes, Sherlock‘s writing quality unfortunately took a downturn in seasons 3 and 4, unable to live up to the high bar set by its previous two installments. But, with enough time and care put into a new story, the series could potentially return, utilizing the lessons learned in the final seasons to offer a more streamlined tale akin to its debut.

Our Take On Cumberbatch’s Condition For Returning To Sherlock

It’s A Reasonable Request To Ensure The Series’ Quality

It makes sense that Cumberbatch wouldn’t want to return for Sherlock season 5 unless he saw the script ahead of time, informing his decision on whether to reprise his role. However, his interest also echoes that of Moffat and Freeman in past statements, making it bittersweet knowing there’s still interest in the show’s continuance despite eight years passing. While it doesn’t seem like the mystery series will come back anytime soon, the lead actor’s statement offers some hope as to how it could return someday.

Source: Variety

Sherlock

Release Date

2010 – 2016

Showrunner

Steven Moffat

Directors

Steven Moffat