Is Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ Still Happening? Writer Provides Update

Fans have eagerly anticipated ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ for over a decade. While the film has yet to enter production, recent comments indicate that the project is still alive. Screenwriter Chris Brancato shared that the script is complete, but one significant hurdle continues to delay the film.

In an interview with The Direct while promoting the MGM+ series ‘Westies’, Brancato discussed the long-awaited sequel featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. When asked about the prospects of ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’, he admitted that there is still no definitive answer.

“Well, I don’t know, that’s up to the movie gods. Also, Robert’s schedule. Robert has a very, very busy schedule, so I’m hopeful that it will get made. But you know, we have to wait and see how things shake out. You just never know with movies.” Brancato confirmed that the screenplay is indeed finished.

“Oh, yes, yes. I wrote a draft.” His co-creator on ‘Westies’, Michael Panes, praised the script, stating: “And it’s very good.”

According to The Direct, Robert Downey Jr.’s packed schedule remains the primary reason for the project’s stagnation. In recent years, the actor has been involved in several major productions. Following his Academy Award win for ‘Oppenheimer’, he returned to the Marvel universe in a new role as Doctor Doom and is currently working on ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’.

The journey for ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ has been long and complicated. Warner Bros. announced the sequel in 2018, initially planning for a 2020 release, which was later pushed to December 2021. That timeline was ultimately abandoned, leaving the film in development limbo.

Various filmmakers and writers have been attached to the project over the years. Guy Ritchie, who directed the first two films, stepped away, and Dexter Fletcher was later brought on as director. However, the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted development, causing the project to stall once again.

Despite the setbacks, those involved have expressed a desire to return. In 2024, Jude Law, who portrays Dr. John Watson, stated that the team still wishes to make the movie.

“The plan has been evolving over how many years it’s been now, probably nearly ten years. There’s a great will to make it.”

However, not everyone connected to the franchise is in the loop. Jared Harris, who played Professor Moriarty, revealed in an interview with The Direct that he has not received any updates regarding the sequel.

“I have no idea. No one’s talking to me about it. And I really wish people would stop asking me… It should be on there. I mean, no one’s talking to me about it. I have no clue.”

Earlier this year, Robert Downey Jr. also addressed the film’s future during an interview with the Associated Press. Instead of providing a direct answer, he humorously remarked that the decision is no longer his.

“I don’t know. People are talking about it. She’s the producer and will have the last word. It’s the greatest mystery.”

Despite numerous delays, interest in ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ remains strong. The first two films gained a loyal fanbase due to the chemistry between Downey’s Sherlock Holmes and Law’s Dr. Watson, and many viewers still hope to see their reunion.

For now, while the screenplay is complete and the creative team remains interested, the film’s future largely hinges on Robert Downey Jr.’s availability. Until then, ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ continues to be one of Hollywood’s most anticipated sequels, with fans hoping that the mystery will finally be resolved.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!