It was recently revealed by Sherlock screenwriter Steven Moffat that Benedict Cumberbatch wasn't the first choice to play the titular character.

Sherlock Holmes To Grow More 'Human' in Season 4?

Discussing Sherlock at the Hay Festival this week, Moffat revealed that Cumberbatch was originally rejected for his looks. The screenwriter compared the conflict to actor David Tennant being cast as Casanova in 2005.

"They said of casting David Tennant as Casanova, 'Damn, you should have cast someone sexier.' With Benedict Cumberbatch, we were told the same thing. 'You promised us a sexy Sherlock, not him.''

Sherlock Season 4 Coming Sooner Than 2016?

He also noted that it is often to see someone rise to becoming an international movie star so quickly.

Very few details are known about the highly anticipated fourth season of Sherlock. The show's cast and producers have been saying conflicting things about the Season 4 release date. However, the latest is that series co-creator Mark Gatiss revealed that they have "made progress" on Season 4. He also said that a fourth season is "the plan," explicitly saying, "There was talk [of a single film, but] amongst people who have nothing to do with Sherlock, I'm afraid."

It has been widely rumored that there would be a one-off special for Sherlock rather than a fourth season, but Gatiss' comments essentially squash such rumors.

Moffat previously said:

"Benedict and Martin [Freeman]'s schedules, Steven's schedule, my schedule, everybody's schedule - it's like a jigsaw puzzle. But both [Martin and Benedict] are really very keen to carry on and as I say, we have made progress."

Tags: Sherlock PBS television