Although things are getting less and less certain as far as the "Sherlock" season 4 release date, a new rumor may place the premiere date earlier than anticipated.

“It will not be this year – but 2015 is very much the hope and expectation,” says a source according to Radio Times.

Allegedly, "Sherlock" season 4 filming can begin as early as beginning of 2015, which will place a premiere release date at the end of next year. This prediction is far more optimistic than the two-year wait many have are still anticipating.

"Benedict and Martin are making some movies," says Steven Moffat. "If you say 'Who cares about movies?' I agree with you but they are doing them so we’ve got to schedule around that."

In addition, cast member Martin Freeman also let it spill that "Sherlock" may get a special one-off episode before the season 4 release date—whenever that may be.

"Mark Gatiss may beat me up, but there is an idea for this one-off special that’s such a good idea," said Freeman according to the Huffington Post. "As I was listening to it, I thought 'we've just got to do this.' It's a fantastic, really mouth-watering idea. But I really don't know when we are going to get to do it."

Although nothing is confirmed, an earlier-than-expected release date rumor plus a direct quote from Martin Freeman about an additional episode is a lot of positive news for "Sherlock" fans!