‘Sherlock’ season 4: Does Benedict Cumberbatch – ‘Doctor Strange’ casting have any impact

Benedict Cumberbatch may very well sit on a throne right now, with “fandom king” written at the top of his crown. The man not only has “Sherlock” over on the BBC, but he has appeared in “Star Trek Into Darkness,” done voice work in the “Hobbit” franchise, and now, the news has been confirmed that he will be the title character of Marvel’s upcoming “Doctor Strange” feature film.

This is obviously a great coup for Marvel, and Cumberbatch should be rather pleased with it, as well. After all, this will make the actor a very rich man, and allow him to play one of the rare superheroes that has not been completely overpopulated on other mediums over time.

We’re not a movie site, so we’re not going to spend too much else time talking about the film part of this story (even if we are super-excited for it). Instead, let’s talk implications for Benedict and “Sherlock.”

For now, we can say for certain that he will be doing the fourth season of the show, which includes a Christmas Special and three original, most-likely 90-minute episodes. He’s already signed on for that alongside Martin Freeman, and they will most-likely film next year.

What you have to wonder is his future beyond that. Marvel is not exactly a studio that allows you a whole lot of free time. Their shoots can take sometimes huge chunks of a year, and you also are a part of a franchise that can use you time and time again. The benefits are big (Robert Downey Jr.’s bank account will confirm as much), but there are drawbacks. It’s possible that he could continue doing “Sherlock” since the team has found a way to work through Cumberbatch and Freeman’s schedules as they are right now, but this makes things all the more difficult. It also makes it near-impossible that we’ll ever see two seasons of “Sherlock” in consecutive years ever again.

What do you think about the “Doctor Strange” casting for now, and do you see it having any other lasting implications? Share with a comment, and to get some further news pertaining to the series, you can do so over here right now. Also, sign up to acquire some more TV updates in your email inbox via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via BBC One.)