Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Martin Freeman says new Sherlock series is long way off: 'Parts of it aren't fun anymore'

The actor reflects upon the BBC series which he stars in alongside Benedict Cumberbatch

Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 16 March 2018 15:11 GMT
Comments
Sherlock: Season 4 finale trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Martin Freeman has some bad news for expectant Sherlock fans - new episodes are a very long way off.

The actor, who plays John Watson opposite Benedict Cumberbatch's titular detective, has revealed he doesn't find starring in the BBC series much fun anymore due to its immense success around the world.

When asked about if there had been any talk of making new episodes, Freeman told The Telegraph: “Not massively. Um… I think after series four [it] felt like a pause. I think we felt we’d done it for a bit now. And part of it, speaking for myself is [due to] the reception of it."

The British actor is referencing the somewhat critical response to the most recent series which aired in January 2017. Reflecting upon that, he added: “To be absolutely honest, it [was] kind of impossible. Sherlock became the animal that it became immediately. Whereas even with The Office [the sitcom he starred in alongside Ricky Gervais] it was a slow burn. But Sherlock was frankly notably high quality from the outset. And when you start [that high] it’s pretty hard to maintain that.”

“Being in that show, it is a mini-Beatles thing," he continued. “People’s expectations, some of it’s not fun anymore. It’s not a thing to be enjoyed, it’s a thing of: ‘You better f***ing do this, otherwise, you’re a c***.’ That’s not fun anymore."

Freeman - who was promoting new compilation album Jazz on the Corner which he collaborated on with Eddie Piller - recently starred in Marvel film Black Panther as Agent Everett Ross.

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in