It’s been well over a decade since Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law graced the screen as the iconic Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. The film left audiences on a major cliffhanger, and while many have given up hope on ever seeing the third film, some have yet to fold. It seems their patience has finally paid off, as an interview with Susan Downey hints that the third film may be closer than any of us were expecting. And we’re totally ready for Sherlock Holmes 3.
Delays and Challenges Facing Sherlock Holmes 3
The third film was initially announced in 2018, with promises for release in December 2020. Unfortunately, the project was pushed back a few times for several reasons, and things got progressively bleaker when Dexter Fletcher, a director behind the project, announced that the film was “on the back burner”.
Fletcher had suspicions about Downey’s lack of faith in the project despite the “brilliant” script that had been penned. However, Susan Downey, a producer on Team Downey, was quick to assure fans that the film is still a priority for her husband.
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Susan Downey Discusses the Film’s Future
In 2023, Downey and her producing partner Amanda Burell appeared to do an interview on the UnWrapped podcast, during which she spoke about Sherlock Holmes 3 and whether it was still happening or not:
“Well, here’s what I can tell you. And Amanda can attest to this. Prior to this, we had lunch together with Robert, the three of us. And it was a very specific topic of conversation. So yet, it is in the hopper. We’re going to do it when it’s right, with the right people, but it is a priority for the company and a priority for Robert.”
While it seems like the project is still happening, there’s been no indication of when we can expect it. However, Downey has said that she and Burell “really push, push, push” on their upcoming projects and always consider what they can do next.
Downey also spoke about how she doesn’t want the third film to feel forced, “I do know, like, there are times where just I’ve had more years of experience to know when to settle down and follow the process. Like, as much as we want to will that into existence, you have to let a couple of things happen before you do the big push, and maybe it gets there on its own.”
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Other Opinions on When Sherlock 3 Might Happen
Since 2008, Robert Downey Jr.’s career has been largely dictated by the MCU. While fans have been eagerly awaiting his return to the sort of movie where he dons the detective’s hat, his packed schedule over the last half-decade has made that reunion seem nearly impossible. With Iron Man taking priority over everything else, Sherlock Holmes 3 kept getting pushed to the back burner. Then, when Endgame wrapped up his Marvel tenure, many assumed he’d finally have the time to reunite with Jude Law and finish the trilogy. That hope has now been crushed with Downey Jr.’s return to the MCU—but as Doctor Doom.
It has been close to impossible to get everyone back on board for Sherlock Holmes 3. The project has suffered from too many scheduling conflicts for way too long. Jude Law himself has strongly hinted that getting the film made is a top priority and that the script is in a very good place. Still, without Robert Downey Jr. to star as the legendary detective, the project is once again just stuck in limbo.
If the new Doom role for Downey Jr. stretches out over multiple films (which, let’s face it, it probably will), then Sherlock Holmes 3 might be left to languish in development hell forever.
The only piece of good news is that Prime Video has enlisted Guy Ritchie to develop a show about the character. Young Sherlock Holmes will apparently have nothing to do with the movies Downey Jr. has made. But even still, you never know. It could be exactly what the franchise needs to get kickstarted again.
A few years ago, Collider spoke with Guy Ritchie about the third film and whether it would still happen:
“Well, honestly, I left this up to Robert. So Robert wanted to be in charge of this. The ball’s in his court, so he’s in charge of the script, he’s in charge of the whole thing. I’ve moonwalked out of that until there’s a time for me to get involved.”
Are you excited about Robert Downey Jr’s return to Sherlock Holmes 3? Is it too late? Also, read about why Robert Downey Jr. said he didn’t really care for The Dark Knight.
