Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch says there’s only one thing that would make him return to the BBC drama, as well as "a lot of money"

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"It would have to be the superlative version of what we’ve already achieved"

Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock
(Image credit: BBC)

Although BBC drama Sherlock first hit screens over 15 years ago, fans are still hoping that Benedict Cumberbatch will return as Holmes one day, but the star says it would take a lot for him to return to Baker Street.

"A lot of money," Cumberbatch said jokingly in an interview with Variety. "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."

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However, Cumberbatch never intended to play the detective for long. When the show took off, he attended an event and let fans know he was looking to branch out. "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,'" he recalls in his Variety interview. "'I’m not going to always be the Benedict that you expect. You might not like some of the stuff I do… But I want to stretch myself and surprise myself and surprise you.'"

Megan Garside
Megan Garside
Junior Social Media Editor, GamesRadar+

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.