Mark Gatiss, 58, Responds to Swirling ‘Sherlock’ Revival Rumors [Exclusive]

Fans hoping for another trip to the Mind Palace, or Baker Street, on Sherlock may want to look elsewhere — co-creator and actor Mark Gatiss has officially closed the door on any future revival or recasting of the iconic BBC series. The series, which starred Benedict Cumberbatch as a modern-day Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, ran for four seasons and a Christmas special between 2010 and 2017.

Speaking to Collider’s Therese Lacson in a recent interview for his new project Bookish, at the International Global Series Festival, Gatiss addressed the lingering question on every Sherlockian’s mind: Could there ever be a reboot, reimagining, or revival with a new cast? His answer was clear, heartfelt, and final. Brace yourselves, folks.

“No. We had our go, and we struck gold with Benedict and Martin. I mean, there’s no…what would be the point? You’d just be doing it again. And to be frank, you know, I’m 60 next year. It’s incredible. And how many more things can one do? I’m committed to doing this, and I’m very interested in doing new stuff, and Bookish is what I want to do. So I think it’s great to, as I said yesterday, it’s great to tip your hat to what a wonderful thing it was, but also it’s lovely to move forward.”

Beloved for its stylish direction, emotionally complex arcs, and groundbreaking modernization of Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories, Sherlock was one of the most influential shows of its era. But with that legacy comes the inevitable fan question: Can lightning strike twice? It’s a question Gatiss doesn’t believe is worth answering, and he’s probably right. So if you were hoping for a reboot with new actors, consider this your official confirmation: Sherlock is done, and Gatiss has moved on.

What Is ‘Bookish’ About?

Bookish is a stylish new six-part British crime drama set in post-war London, premiering July 16 on PBS Mystery. The series stars Gatiss as Gabriel Book, an erudite (and closeted) antiquarian bookseller turned sleuth, solving crimes with the help of his vast literary knowledge. The series, also written by Gatiss with Matthew Sweet and directed by Carolina Giammetta, is set in 1946 and features a rich ensemble including Polly Walker as Trottie (Book’s wife in a lavender marriage), Daniel Mays, Joely Richardson, and Paul McGann. The logline is as follows:

“London 1946 is the dynamic, dangerous and chaotic setting for this stylish new detective drama, with the whip‑smart and debonair Gabriel Book … a maverick consultant detective to the local police.”

Bookish premieres on July 16 on PBS Mystery. Stay tuned at Collider for more.