Sherlockstar Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed the one way he would return forseason 5. The acclaimed series of the iconic English detective began in 2010, releasing three movie-length episodes in its debut season.Sherlockhas three more seasons, with the latest episodes airing in 2017. However, the series had a reputation for considerably long gaps between seasons. Now,eight years have passed since the series last hit the BBC, but that has not stopped the rumors ofSherlockseason 5from swirling about.

Speaking withVariety, after joking that it would take “a lot of money,” Cumberbatch revealed that hisreturn forseason 5 is predicated on the show being “better than it ever was.“He also recalled a fan event, where audiences expressed their want for moreSherlock. He told them that he was “not always going to do the same thing” and wanted to still “surprise” himself and his fan base. Check out the full quote below:

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes, sitting and looking up in the BBC Sherlock Season 4 Finale

It would take it to be better than it ever was. You leave them or yourselves wanting more. There’s always that itch to scratch, but I think it would have to be the superlative version of what we’ve already achieved.

[Recalling a fan event] I went, ‘Guys, I know you really like “Sherlock,” but if you’re with me, I’m not going to always do the same thing. I’m not going to always be the Benedict that you expect. You might not like some of the stuff I do. I may be cute and cuddly to you at times, or ugly and untouchable. But I want to stretch myself and surprise myself and surprise you.’

Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Gatiss as Sherlock and Mycroft Holmes standing and looking off in the same direction in Sherlock season 2

What This Means For Sherlock Season 5

Sherlock’s Future Is Still Uncertain

Cumberbatch’s quote provides little hope for the prospect ofSherlockseason 5. In December of last year, co-creatorSteven Moffat said it would be “madness not to do” another installmentof the detective series, because of the strong existing fan base. However, he didn’t reveal any active plans for anotherSherlockseason. On the other hand, both Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have previously commented on the possibility and interest but never guaranteed the chances of a season 5.

The Real-Life Figure Sherlock Holmes Is Based On: True Story Explained

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s character, Sherlock Holmes is a detective based on a real-life figure who used methods of deduction at work, Dr. Joseph Bell.

In previous interviews, the creative team, including Moffat, repeatedly mentioned thatthe lack of season 5 development stemmed from Cumberbatch and Freeman’s busy schedule, as both stars have become in-demand actors since the series. Cumberbatch has made his stance clear about wanting to do a variety of projects, implying that the reprisal in his detective series role may not be his top priority. This is especially the case with the actor heavily invested in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he recently confirmed his involvement inAvengers: Secret Warsandthe development ofDoctor Stranger 3.

Sherlock Show Poster

Our Take On Sherlock Season 5’s Likelihood

SherlockMay Have Lost Some Interest Over The Years

Sherlockdoes have a fairly significant fan base, though some viewers may have fallen off over the past eight years. Though all the seasons are decently rated, season 4, episode 3, “The Final Problem” was somewhat divisive among audiences. Other relatedprojects of the detective story, including Guy Ritchie’sTV seriesYoung Sherlockand CBS’Watson, are actively in the works, which may distract from the uncertain season 5 wait.Sherlockcould still return, but the series may be past its prime in terms of maximum audience interest.

Sherlock

Cast

In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.