A new Arthur Conan Doyle TV adaptation is in development, which promises to be more exciting than the potential return of Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock season 5. Since Sherlock Holmes first appeared in print in 1887, he has been portrayed in various audio-visual mediums, with over 75 actors taking on the iconic detective role, making him the most portrayed human character in television and film.

Despite the numerous adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, certain actors like Jeremy Brett, Robert Downey Jr.

, Peter Cushing, and Benedict Cumberbatch have become synonymous with the character. Cumberbatch's portrayal in BBC's Sherlock has set a high standard for future adaptations, but a new adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's work is generating more buzz than the prospect of Sherlock season 5.

Mark Gatiss, co-creator of Sherlock, is working on an adaptation of Doyle's short story Lot No. 249 for a Christmas 2023 special. The story revolves around Oxford University students Abercrombie Smith and Edward Bellingham, with Kit Harington and Freddie Fox set to play the respective roles.

This adaptation will feature a supernatural element, with the plot involving the reanimation of a mummy, making it a unique and thrilling addition to the Sherlock Holmes universe.

Gatiss' track record in crafting atmospheric and spooky adaptations, particularly in his festive ghost stories for the BBC, makes this project highly anticipated. While discussions continue about Sherlock season 5, the decline in quality of the later seasons suggests that the show may have run its course.

However, there is still potential for Cumberbatch and Freeman to return in standalone movies or TV specials that can explore new narratives without being constrained by the limitations of a full season.

In conclusion, the upcoming Arthur Conan Doyle adaptation helmed by Mark Gatiss promises to offer a fresh and innovative take on the Sherlock Holmes universe, surpassing the expectations set by previous iterations. While the possibility of Sherlock season 5 looms, focusing on standalone projects may allow the beloved characters to continue captivating audiences in new and exciting ways.