He’s one of the world’s most in-demand actors, but could British star Benedict Cumberbatch be about to call time on one of his most well-known roles – that of Sherlock Holmes?
Rumours have been rife that the successful Sherlock series could be coming to a close after the fourth season.
It would be a blow to the show’s die-hard fans – and when Benedict sits down to talk to TV WEEK, he doesn’t dampen the speculation.
TV WEEK: How does it feel to be back for season four of Sherlock?
Benedict Cumberbatch: It’s lovely. It’s familiar, and yet we wouldn’t do it if it was just the same steps. That’s what’s brilliant about the writing: they keep challenging us and it keeps evolving. It’s been a fantastic arc to play – and boy, does it go somewhere in this series!
Mycroft and Sherlock in season four.
Season four has been described as the darkest yet – how dark does it get?
Without a doubt. You’re talking about the end of the universe darkness. You can’t see in front of you and would walk into everything dark. Hopefully, there are lots of laughs and lots of great personal stuff, but it is explicitly a darker season.
There’s also been a lot of talk of this being the last season of Sherlock – do you think the series can keep going?
We’ll see how this series lands. How it will continue in the future, who knows? It’s not just about what any of us want – it’s about what’s right for the show, and that has to be judged very carefully.
That sounds cryptic…
It’s a painful thing to say, but maybe season four is it. I don’t want to say this, because we have too much fun doing it. There’s lots of stuff to weigh up. It’s not just about what we want to do, it’s about what’s right.
Benedict as Sherlock with Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson.
Do you still manage to find new layers to your character?
There’s an endless fascination to playing a complex character with such great intellectual gifts. I never expected him to become such a popular figure, although I’m appreciative of the attention I’ve received for the role. Sherlock, on the other hand, wouldn’t be at all grateful or appreciative!
You seem like someone who takes fame in his stride.
You try to make the best of it. You need to get used to being recognised wherever you go and strangers smiling or waving at you. I’m glad that at least I feel proud of the work I’ve been doing and that makes me feel that at least I’ve done something to earn the respect of people.
Is that attitude hard to maintain?
You’re very conscious that even when you’re having a bad day, or not particularly wanting to acknowledge the recognition, you still have to put on your best face, because there’s this unspoken bond between you and your audience. You want to be able to connect with people who have been standing outside waiting for you, and give them some of your time and let them know how much you appreciate their support and interest.
Bennedict with the cast of Sherlock.
Do you enjoy working virtually non-stop?
I can’t seem to help myself! I suppose I should pace myself more, but I find it impossible to turn down all the opportunities presenting themselves.
Does having someone to share your life with [Benedict and theatre director Sophie Hunter married in 2015] make things easier?
If you have someone you love and are devoted to, and it’s a proper, devotional love, there’s nothing better than that tonic. It takes you away from yourself; there’s someone more important. Not that that’s a reason to be in a relationship, but it’s a healthy by-product when you’re doing such an obsessional job, as acting can be.
Do you worry about the intrusion into your private life that celebrity can so often bring?
I know all this attention won’t always be there. The risk of failure is always around the corner and I’ve found it’s much better not to think or worry about it too much and simply enjoy the moment. Generally, people are respectful – I only become hostile if photographers get in my face or if people take photos of me secretly!
Sherlock airs Sunday, 8:30pm, on ABC.
