According to the latest "Sherlock" spoilers, the Season 4 release date will likely occur in early 2016 - and the new series will be "devastating." Likely to include another major character death, Season 4 will be more unexpected than ever. Good news? We will potentially see the return of at least one of Sherlock's past love interests!
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, co-creator Stephen Moffat explained that "We have a plan to top [Season 3]," said Moffat. "And I do think our plan is devastating. We've practically reduced our cast to tears telling them the plan...we're probably more excited that we've ever been about Sherlock."
The show is expected to be truly shocking as it returns in 2016, and with a different tone than before.
"We're going to try to take it somewhere we've never been before - and I don't mean outer space. It will be challenging place to go. We always start with a re-introduction that builds toward a darker climax - we might just be going darker [from the outset]. We got a very, very good set of ideas," teased Moffat to EW.
As we previously reported, according to the Daily Telegraph, Martin Freeman has speculated that his wife (both in real life and on the series) may meet her demise in Season 4. "The Hobbit" actor, who plays Watson, explained "While we play fast and loose with the original stories, we generally follow the trajectory of what Conan Doyle did. ... So [John] gets married, and then Mary dies - so at some point presumably she'll die."
Nonetheless, there is a distinct possibility that the series will not mimic the exact storyline of Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories. In an interview with the Radio Times, Mark Gatiss insisted "Just because it's in the stories doesn't mean it'll happen in the series because there's an awful lot of changes and an awful lot of places to go and things to do."
How about some more positive news? There have been multiple reports that suggest that two past love interests for Mr. Holmes may return - Irene Adler and Janine Hawkins!
In an interview with Radio Times, Lara Pulver suggested that her character and fan favorite Irene Adler may be back for Season 4. "Sherlock is Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat's passion project. If it fits to have her back, I know they'll write it; if it doesn't, I trust them to get it right," explained Pulver as she referred to the return of her character as Sherlock's love interest. On the other hand, Janine, another love interest for Holmes, is definitely returning. Speaking to IGN, Moffat explained "He likes her, though. He'll see her again. They'll be pals. I loved Yasmine's performance as Janine -- she still likes him in the end. At some point, you know, if Sherlock Holmes has to go to a function and he needs a date, he'll phone her up. Now, he'll not expect her to say no. She'll be very cross with him, but she'll show up, and they'll have a good time. They will, because he likes her."
What else is floating around in the field of "Sherlock" spoilers?
In a recent interview with Vogue magazine, Benedict Cumberbatch expressed his sincere interest in continuing the series for as long as possible.
"If we can keep the quality up, I can't imagine that I will ever get tired of being Sherlock," he expressed to the publication. "I'd love to play him as an old man."
We'd certainly love to see Benedict age alongside his iconic role as Sherlock Holmes. At 38, Cumberbatch is a good 20 years from being anything close to an "old man."
With seasons generally released 2 years apart, if Benedict's desires come to fruition we could see Season 14 in 2034. But we'd push it a bit further than that even - Season 20 in 2046 with a 70-year-old Benedict Cumberbath.
If only we could fast forward a few decades...How will our dear Benny age? Gracefully, I'm sure.
The British star certainly shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to impress the world with dashingly good look and passionate talent.
"I really, really love my job. I love sets. I love crews. I love theatres. I love audiences," insisted Cumberbatch in his Vogue interview.
We believe it. But will he continue to love it all in 2046 when Season 20 will [hypothetically] be released?
There's plenty that needs to happen before then, starting with the impending Season 4.
BBC has confirmed that 'Sherlock' will air a special Christmas episode in 2015. The Latin Post reports that the one-episode special will begin filming in January 2015, followed by the three-episode Season 4 production.
Care for some spoilers? The special is rumored to based on the mystery of "The Adventure of the Blue Cabuncle," and will likely address the Moriarty twist that shocked fans at the end of Season 3. Mary and Watson will also be welcoming a baby in the world, and Tom Hiddleston may be joining the cast as Sherlock's brother Sherrinford Holmes.
Are you excited to see "Sherlock" return with Season 4, however "devastating" it may be? What do you think of the spoilers reveled about the 2015 Christmas special and rumors that the new series may involve killing off a series regular? Would you be happy to see both of Sherlock's love interests back for the new season?
Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
