A co-creator of Sherlock, Steven Moffat comments on the possibility of a season 5 with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman returning. The actors played contemporary versions of Sherlock Holmes and his trusted aide Dr. John Watson in the hit BBC series for four successful seasons and two specials. The Sherlock season 4 finale aired in January 2017 and provided what seemed to be a fairly satisfying ending to the series.
Sherlock was already having scheduling issues as the showrunners tried to put season 4 out. Despite its popularity, fans had to wait three years for new episodes. Though the 2016 Christmas special, titled "The Abominable Bride," gave the viewers something to hold them over. But it wasn't BBC's choice to delay the series. The problem stemmed from Freeman and Cumberbatch's schedules getting increasingly busy as they also started to actively work on other projects. Now, after five years, Moffat and co-creator Mark Gatiss are floating the idea for Sherlock season 5.
Speaking with Radio Times, Moffat opened up about their eagerness to revive the series. He says that his partner and "Sue [Vertue, producer] would do it tomorrow if they're given the chance." But while most of them are willing to return, ultimately, it will boil "down to Benedict and Martin." However, Moffat appears to understand why the show's two lead stars cannot just clear their schedule to do Sherlock season 5 considering how high profile they've become since the series premiered. Read his additional comments below:
"They were very loyal to that show over a very long while when it was out, when it definitely became their lowest paying job.
And I don't think that's necessarily what they want to do now – fair enough, absolutely fair enough. But if anyone thinks I'm the one getting in the way, I will confidently tell you I would start writing it tomorrow, if everybody else did too."
Looking at Cumberbatch and Freeman's confirmed projects, it seems like they're going to be busy in the next few years. Both are currently part of the MCU as Doctor Strange and Everett Ross, respectively, and they both have upcoming confirmed appearances. Ross will be in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Secret Invasion. Meanwhile, Doctor Strange is set to explore the multiverse in Sam Raimi's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. There's no word yet about what's next for him after that, but it's safe to say that his role in the franchise will only get bigger. Beyond his comic book movie stint, Cumberbatch is working on the film The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.
Considering this, it's safe to say that even if both stars want to revisit the show, it might take a while for Sherlock season 5 to get off the ground. Both Cumberbatch and Freeman are busy with other ventures and their schedules will also have to sync up with each other's for the BBC series to be revived. But if Moffat and the rest are always open to doing it, then perhaps the stars will eventually align for a Sherlock season 5.
Source: Radio Times