Is Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ Still Happening? The Writer Finally Responds
Fans have been waiting for Sherlock Holmes 3 for well over a decade, and while the movie still hasn’t moved into production, a new update suggests the project is far from dead. The latest comments come from screenwriter Chris Brancato, who says the script is already finished, although one major obstacle continues to delay the film.
During an interview with The Direct while promoting the MGM+ series Westies, Brancato spoke about the long-awaited sequel starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. When asked if Sherlock Holmes 3 will finally happen, he admitted that there is still no clear 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 also confirmed that the screenplay is already complete.
“Oh, yes, yes. I wrote a draft.” His Westies co-creator Michael Panes quickly praised the script, adding: “And it’s very good.”
According to The Direct, Robert Downey Jr.’s busy schedule remains the biggest reason the project has not moved forward. Over the past few years, the actor has stayed busy with several major productions. After winning an Academy Award for Oppenheimer, he returned to the Marvel universe in a new role as Doctor Doom and is currently involved in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Sherlock Holmes 3 has had a long and complicated journey. Warner Bros. officially announced the sequel in 2018 with plans for a 2020 release before moving it to December 2021. That schedule was eventually abandoned, and the film has remained in development ever since.
Several filmmakers and writers have been attached to the project over the years. Guy Ritchie, who directed the first two films, stepped away, with Dexter Fletcher later joining as director. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted development, and the project stalled once again.
Do you still want to see Sherlock Holmes 3 with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law?
The people involved have continued to express interest in returning. In 2024, Jude Law, who plays Dr. John Watson, said the team still wants 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.”
Not everyone connected to the franchise knows what is happening, though. Jared Harris, who played Professor Moriarty, revealed in an interview with The Direct that he has not received any updates about 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 movie’s future during an interview with the Associated Press. Rather than giving a direct answer, he joked 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.”
Even after so many delays, interest in Sherlock Holmes 3 has not disappeared. The first two films became fan favorites thanks to the chemistry between Downey’s Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law’s Dr. Watson, and many viewers still hope to see the pair reunite one more time.
For now, the screenplay is finished and the creative team remains interested, but the film’s future largely depends on whether Robert Downey Jr. can find room in his schedule. Until that happens, Sherlock Holmes 3 remains one of Hollywood’s longest-awaited sequels, with fans continuing to hope that the mystery will finally be solved.
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