Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have just finished filming a special Christmas episode for "Sherlock" season 4 but how much effort did producers put into getting both stars back on the show?
It's no secret that the two co-stars have become very busy with shooting movies and attending red carpet events. Showrunner Steven Moffat also mentioned in past interviews that scheduling the actors for the show have become a nightmare for producers.
Although being on the show helped boost them into Internet and world stardom, it seems that their current success and work schedule weighed heavily on the "Sherlock" production.
"[Cumberbatch and co-star Martin Freeman] don't need 'Sherlock' anymore, so we have to persuade them to do it, which is fair enough," Moffat reportedly admitted to Newsbeat after the BAFTA nominees party earlier this week.
It doesn't mean that both actors have started to snob the show. In fact, they openly sing its praises in interviews.
"They are very serious about it, they do love it very much," the EP continued, admitting that he was pleasantly surprised with their decision to return for another season.
"I didn't think we actually thought we'd get a fourth series out of them," he added.
According to The Independent, it is normal for actors to have to be coaxed into continuing on with the series they are signed with.
It is most certainly the case with Cumberbatch who was recently nominated in several prestigious award-giving bodies for his role as the tragic mathematician Alan Turing in "The Imitation Game." He also has several projects lined up for theater, TV and the big screen in the next couple of years.
Marin has several projects lined up in the next year as well.
Fans need not worry about Cumberbatch and Freeman leaving the show anytime soon. They will meet viewers again as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in the Christmas special for "Sherlock" season 4 later this year.
