Two more months before its premiere but "Sherlock" season 4 has been shaking up the internet and social media with its storyline and cast rumors. Latest speculations claim that "Outlander" star Sam Heughan will play the role of the third Holmes brother instead of the previously rumored Tom Hiddleston.
The rumors started when the Scottish actor exchanged messages on Twitter with "Sherlock" creator Mark Gatiss. Gatiss asked Heughan when they are going to meet and the actor replied, "Whenever our stars (schedules) align!! So pleased all going so well for you!x."
Fans have then begun speculating Heughan will play the eldest Holmes brother, Sherrinford Holmes. According to a report, Sherrinford is the hypothetical brother of Sherlock and Mycroft. However, opposite of the two, Sherrinford Holmes is apparently on the evil side. The report further added that Sherrinford is the one who mentored Jim Moriarty and that Sherlock's real nemesis is Sherrinford, not Jim. During "Sherlock" season 3, Mycroft was quoted as saying: "I'm not given to outbursts of brotherly compassion. You know what happened to the other one."
Sherrinford is described to be more intelligent than the two younger siblings and if he will appear in the upcoming season, Sherlock and Mycroft are going to have a difficult time facing him. There is no official confirmation about who will play Sherrinford yet but fans are hoping it would be Heughan. This is despite the fact that the actor's actual project, "Outlander" season 3, is also scheduled for realease next year.
Meanwhile, it was previously reported that there might be more installments after "Sherlock" season 4. Following Steven Moffat's announcement that season 4 is definitely not the last, Benedict Cumberbatch himself stepped forward to clarify his first statement. He said the news about the series ending in season 4 was a "complete distortion" and sensationalized.
"Sherlock" season 4 will premiere on Jan. 1, 2017 on BBC.
