MOVIE NEWS – Mark Gatiss, co-creator of the acclaimed “Sherlock” series, has potentially complicated Benedict Cumberbatch’s return as Sherlock Holmes with his latest project’s casting. The series, co-developed by Gatiss and Steven Moffat for the BBC, emerged as an outstanding adaptation of the iconic detective, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson, his faithful companion. Debuting in 2010, “Sherlock” transported the narrative to contemporary London and initially comprised a season of three episodes. The inaugural season received a positive reception, followed by three more seasons of similar structure, totaling 13 episodes including a special, concluding with the fourth season in 2017. Since then, speculation about a fifth season of “Sherlock” has been rampant.

Critically praised for its engaging storytelling and strong viewership during its four-season run, the general consensus was that “Sherlock” lost its edge after the second season. The final two seasons didn’t capture the same essence and caliber as the first two. Half a decade has passed since the prospects of a fifth season surfaced, leading to discussions of concluding the narrative with a “Sherlock” film. While Moffat has expressed readiness for a fifth season (as reported by GQ), Cumberbatch and Freeman’s flourishing careers, notably in the MCU, have made their return challenging. Now, Gatiss’ recent project might add further obstacles to reviving the series.

Gatiss’ latest venture, “Lot No. 249,” an adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s story, could be a decisive factor against the making of “Sherlock” season 5. The BBC’s television movie, a Christmas special featuring a ghostly tale and a resurrected mummy, stars Kit Harington and Freddie Fox. Although Gatiss’ delve into Conan Doyle’s literature is intriguing, Harington’s Christmas special unexpectedly serves as a stealth prequel to “Sherlock,” implying that the narrative of Cumberbatch’s Sherlock may not continue.

The show cleverly introduces a younger version of Sherlock Holmes, played by John Heffernan as “The Friend,” a character described as astute and highly intelligent in his unique way. This portrayal aligns seamlessly with the famous detective’s traits. “Lot No. 249” subtly confirms Heffernan’s character as Sherlock, evident from his trademark pipe smoking and mention of moving to Baker Street, Holmes’ famed residence. However, the lack of a direct link and the introduction of a younger Sherlock suggest that Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the character might have reached its narrative end.

While there are still possibilities for “Sherlock” season 5 to be engaging, Gatiss’ new endeavor has made its realization even more doubtful. Discussions about a fifth season have been ongoing since 2014, yet nothing came to fruition after the fourth season ended in 2017. The ongoing talks have yet to result in a new season, and the prolonged hiatus – the longest yet – adds to the skepticism about the series’ continuation, especially considering the challenges in finding a compelling story to draw back the leading actors.

Scheduling conflicts also pose a significant hurdle. Since “Sherlock,” Cumberbatch has starred in various films, most notably as Doctor Stephen Strange in the MCU. Martin Freeman, besides his role in “Breeders,” plays Everett Ross in the MCU, appearing in both “Black Panther” movies. Their busy schedules and additional commitments make a new “Sherlock” season less feasible. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of continuing the “Sherlock” story, perhaps in a film format, which could offer a more concise shooting schedule and potentially a larger budget.

Although Heffernan portrayed a younger Sherlock, his return to the role seems unlikely. “Lot No. 249” was a one-off Christmas TV special, suggesting no immediate plans for a series continuation. Nevertheless, this doesn’t preclude the film from serving as a springboard for a new “Sherlock” TV series, potentially offering a more authentic take than the modern adaptation. Setting “Sherlock” in the present day distinguished it from numerous other adaptations of Conan Doyle’s character, but Gatiss might revisit the era with Heffernan’s Sherlock, exploring the young detective’s early adventures in the 19th century.

Sources: GQ, The Independent