Robert Downey Jr.'s Return in 'Sherlock Holmes 3' Remains Uncertain After 15 Years
An update on the long-awaited 'Sherlock Holmes 3' reveals uncertainty regarding production, with Robert Downey Jr. facing a packed schedule. Screenwriter Chris Brancato shares insights on the film's status.
After a long wait of 15 years, the future of "Sherlock Holmes 3" remains ambiguous, with updates suggesting that screenwriter Chris Brancato is hopeful for a production start soon.
In contrast to the excitement surrounding the recent release of the third installment in the "Enola Holmes" series, which stars Millie Bobby Brown, the "Sherlock Holmes" franchise has faced significant delays. The first two films, featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. Watson, garnered over a billion dollars globally, yet the anticipated sequel has been stalled since its initial announcements for 2020 and 2021.
As the wait continues, director Guy Ritchie seems to be moving on with a prequel series titled "Young Sherlock," which is set to debut on Amazon. A trailer for this new project has already been released, hinting at Ritchie's ongoing engagement with the Sherlock Holmes universe.
In a recent interview, The Direct spoke with Chris Brancato and Michael Panes regarding their new series "Westies," where the topic of "Sherlock Holmes 3" inevitably arose. Brancato expressed uncertainty about the film's status, citing Robert Downey Jr.'s busy schedule as a significant factor:
"Well, I don’t know, that’s probably not in my hands. Moreover, Robert [Downey Jr.] has a very, very full schedule. I am hopeful that it gets produced, but we’ll have to wait and see how things develop. With films, you can never be sure."
Despite having submitted a script draft, Brancato noted that it is unfortunate the project has not materialized in the early 2020s. With Downey Jr. currently re-engaged in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he is reportedly set to play the new villain Victor Von Doom, the possibility of returning to the iconic role of Sherlock Holmes seems increasingly complicated.
