Sherlock was a 2010s phenomenon. The modern update of the iconic detective was a major hit on both sides of the pond, renewing interest in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories and boosting the fame of stars like Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman and Andrew Scott.
The series wrapped up in 2017, and did so pretty definitively. All of the talent involved has gone on to find critical and commercial success elsewhere, but there's something about Sherlock that has stood the test of time. The fanbase is still intact, and it sounds as though there's been talks of a big screen sequel to accompany the series.
Sherlock producer confirmed a film has been discussed
Sue Vertue, who was one of the main producers on Sherlock, told Deadline that she's confident the franchise will return in some capacity. Not only that, but she told the outlet that many of the sets and costumes from the series are still intact and being stored.
"It’s just getting everybody aligned, it’s getting the actors to want to do it... We love that show and there is a future for it. One day. Maybe. If everyone wants to do it."
Vertue joked that the sets are probably "rotten" by now, but the fact that there was foresight enough to preserve these aspects of the series suggests that there was always a lingering desire to return. It has even been discussed by Sherlock writer and co-creator Mark Gatiss as recently as April.
The schedules of the cast have been a hurdle
‘The Motive and the Cue’ star Mark Gatiss, nominated for ‘Best Actor’ at the #OlivierAwards, talks about his new TV show ‘Bookish’ and returning to the Sherlock Holmes world pic.twitter.com/fyj4CIXNn7
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) April 14, 2024
Gatiss, who also plays Sherlock's brother, Mycroft Holmes, told Deadline that he would prefer to bring the franchise back for a standalone film, rather than another season of television. It would allow for a more focused and concentrated story. He described it as "the natural thing to do."
Gatiss was reticent to confirm a sequel, however, due to the same reasons that Vertue noted: the availability, or lack thereof, of the Sherlock cast. “We’d like to make a film but trying to get everyone together is very difficult," Gatiss explained to Deadline. "You’ll have to ask Benedict and Martin."
Andrew Scott is currently the star of the acclaimed Netflix series Ripley, while Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are both part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Those are not especially flexible schedules. Still, we will hold out hope for a reunion at 221B Baker Street.