Benedict Cumberbatch's presence for "Sherlock" season 4 has been confirmed by its executive producers as well as the actor himself in previous interviews. However, as the CBE Honoree's schedule gets tighter, it looks like the chances for a fifth season becomes slimmer.
It's not a secret that the Academy Award-nominated actor's fame blew up thanks to his unique portrayal of the iconic literary character. It's also not a secret that he's getting more and more offers for projects of a larger scale.
Even his onscreen partner, equally talented Martin Freeman, has been getting offers for more commercially and critically successful films.
Even "Sherlock" showrunner Steven Moffat admitted that the entire series' longevity lies in Cumberbatch and Freeman's availability to play Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson respectively.
"Once Benedict Cumberbatch gives up Sherlock, what are we going to do?" the show creator was quoted as saying by MoviePilot. "We are going to stop, that's what we are going to do. Most shows have a built-in mortality."
This is in contrast to the seeming immortality of a show like "Dr. Who" where the lead actor can be changed every couple of years.
On the other hand, both actors have expressed their excitement to come back for "Sherlock" season 4.
Cumberbatch, who recently received his CBE from Queen Elizabeth herself, gave a brief glimpse into his schedule for the next couple of months.
"Her Majesty asked me what I was doing at the moment, and I told her I had finished a three month run at the Barbican, which she knew of," he revealed. "And I told her I had just got back last night from filming in Nepal, Doctor Strange for Marvel, then I'll be going straight into the fourth series of Sherlock."
Moffat previously shared that scheduling to film for "Sherlock" season 4 was a headache for everyone involved because of the actor's hectic schedule.
Nevertheless, the father-of-one was reportedly "keen to keep playing the part because he knows how much it has done for him, how much people love him playing it, and he loves it as well."
Whenever he'll decide to quit the show, fans can be assured that he and Martin Freeman will still be seen in "Sherlock" season 4.
