Moriarty (portrayed by Andrew Scott) won't be the only character that will return from the grave and haunt Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) in Season 3 of BBC's crime-drama series "Sherlock." Recent reports say that Irene Adler (played by Lara Pulver) might also make a comeback.
Irene was last seen in the episode, "A Scandal in Belgravia," in which she was supposedly executed by a terrorist group. However, Moriarty has been confirmed to return in the next season, though it might be a psychological appearance rather than a physical one. Hence, there is a significant possibility that Irene might also return.
The show-runner and writer of the show, Steven Moffat, along with co-writer Mark Gatiss (who also plays the role of Mycroft Holmes in the series) and producer Sue Vertue hinted at this year's San Diego Comic Con regarding the return of certain iconic characters, as they mentioned that fans should watch out for Thatcher, Smith, and Sherrinford, which might be the nicknames for the returning characters in Season 4.
According to Parent Herald, Moffat and Gatiss are projecting the new season in such a way that the adventure, terror and romance theme of the show, which it is known for, can be brought back to the world of Sherlock and Watson (Martin Freeman).
The website has stated that Watson will be having a child with his wife, Mary (Amanda Abbington), while Sherlock will continue working on the cases on his own, though Watson will accompany him often.
Gatiss has also hinted that Season 4 of "Sherlock" will have a tragic plot. Hence, even if Irene returns, the ending is surely not going to be a happy one. Whether the cast of the next season will include Abbington as Irene or not, will be seen once "Sherlock" Season 4 goes on air. It is expected to premiere in January 2017, though an official release date has not yet been announced.