For such a popular show, BBC’s Sherlock has certainly had a limited run. With only nine episodes over its four year existence – and a two year break in between seasons 2 and 3 – the show has gained the reputation of trying fan patience almost to the breaking point. But there is good news in Sherlock land, as a possible shoot-date for season 4 might be solidified before long.
Speaking on the red carpet at the BAFTA Television Awards, Sherlock showrunners Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss gave fans a glimmer of hope for the launching of season 4. Here’s what Gatiss said:
I can officially tell you that we are moving closer to agreeing some dates to shoot. If that sounds like a party line, it is. That is proper progress because Ben and Martin and Steven are so busy, but actually trying to get everybody to interlock is… we have made significant progress.
So while that is not exactly a committed date, it’s at least an indication that we might get to see a new season of Sherlock before the turn of the next millennium. There has also been talk of a one-off Sherlock film, but that appears to be a pipe dream; Gatiss says that it was never on the table at all.
Give the cast and crew of Sherlock some credit, though; they have a lot of schedules to juggle. Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch are in high demand, with Freeman doing his press for The Hobbit as well as his current stint on the FX series Fargo. Cumberbatch has all kinds of movie projects coming up, including voicework on The Penguins of Madagascar and appearing, hopefully, in Gary Oldman’s Flying Horse. Meanwhile, Mark Gatiss recently wrapped on a Frankenstein film and has a part on Game of Thrones, while Steven Moffat has his hands full with a little show called Doctor Who. Trying to get just the main cast and crew together long enough to make a few more 90 minute episodes of Sherlock is a chore in itself.
We’ll just have to wait a little longer for some solid information on the next season of Sherlock. At least it’s moving closer to fruition though, and the original cast and crew have not jumped ship.
As always, we’ll let you know when we hear more.