Robert Downey Jr.’sSherlock Holmes 3is now looking even less likely 13 years after the franchise’s previous installment, due to other priorities in upcoming projects. The Oscar winner starred as the famous detective character in both of Guy Ritchie’sSherlock Holmesmovies: 2009’sSherlock Holmesand 2011’sSherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, shortly before joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2012. The two movies were a box office success, leading to speculation of aSherlock Holmes 3movie, but there’s been no official confirmation of a third installment as it has been in development hell for 13 years.
There have been many adaptations of Sherlock Holmes based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s work, including BBC’sSherlock. However, in some ways,Robert Downey Jr.’sSherlock Holmesmovies are better than Benedict Cumberbatch’s show, as the latter introduced a modern adaptation of the character, while Guy Ritchie’s films were more faithful to the source material. Yet, despite box office earnings and positive reviews, Guy Ritchie’s franchisehas remained on rocky ground for over a decade. Furthermore,recent updates involving Jude Law, Robert Downey Jr., and Guy Ritchie show thatSherlock Holmes 3is looking less likelythan ever.
Robert Downey Jr. Returning To The MCU As Doctor Doom Makes Sherlock Holmes 3 More Difficult
RDJ’s Previous Commitments To Marvel Contributed To Sherlock Holmes Delays
Years after Tony Stark’s demise inAvengers: Endgame, Marvel released the shocking news thatRobert Downey Jr. would be returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom. Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark since 2008, and his character quickly became a fan favorite and a prominent part of the superhero franchise. However,Robert Downey Jr.’s role as Marvel’s Tony Stark took precedence over hisSherlock Holmestrilogydue to the demanding schedule. This meant that there was simply no time for Robert Downey Jr. to consider appearing inSherlock Holmes 3.
Sherlock Holmes 3 Taking This Long Is Actually Perfect For Robert Downey Jr.’s Character 13 Years After A Game Of Shadows
It’s been over a decade since A Game of Shadows dropped its cliffhanger ending, but this is actually great news for the hopeful Sherlock Holmes 3.
In the brief period after Robert Downey Jr. ended his commitment to Marvel, there was hope that the actor would return to finish theSherlock Holmestrilogy. In fact,producer Susan Downey said that there was still hope forSherlock Holmes 3, as it was “still very much alive in our hearts” despite a lack of official updates. However, with the news that the actor will be returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom, possibly for the next few years,it appears that Downey Jr. may be too busy to commit to anotherSherlock Holmesmovieany time soon.
Getting Everyone Back Has Always Been One Of Sherlock Holmes 3’s Biggest Challenges
RDJ & Jude Law’s Schedules And Dwindling Hype Make Sherlock Holmes 3 Less Likely
Interestingly, it is not the story or lack of commitment that is causing the third movieto be delayed, asJude Law did report there was an encouraging script update forSherlock Holmes 3, acknowledging “there’s a great will to make it.” The main issue with the movie has always been the busy schedules of the cast and crew as, excluding 2021,Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. have appeared in at least one movie a year sinceSherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. The two also have a few upcoming projects in the works for the next few years.
2025
Robert Downey Jr. as “Mexican Stranger”
Furthermore,Guy Ritchie is no longer attached to theSherlock Holmes 3movie, despite the director’s recent (but unrelated) Prime Video show,Young Sherlock Holmes, also focusing on the character. In 2019,Rocketman’sDexter Fletcher was named asSherlock Holmes 3’snew director but no further news has been releasedsince. With such a lull in updates, and the busy workload of both Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr., it doesn’t seem like there will be much time to makeSherlock Holmes 3soon, and as the 13-year hiatus grows, there may not be enough hype to warrant another installment.
Sherlock Holmes 3
Cast
While plot details are unknown, Sherlock Holmes 3 will be the third installment in the Sherlock Holmes franchise, starring Roberty Downey Jr. and Jude Law as the titular detective and his sidekick Dr. Watson. Although the first two films were directed by Guy Ritchie, Dexter Fletcher is set to replace Ritchie in the role of director for the third. The film may pick up where the events of the second film left off, finally answering the question of how Holmes survived his fall from the Reichenbach Falls with Professor Moriarty, as teased at the end of the previous film.
Sherlock Holmes
TheSherlock Holmesfranchise, starring Robert Downey Jr. as the titular detective, reimagines Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic character in a fast-paced, action-packed style. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the films blend period mystery with modern action, emphasizing Holmes' analytical mind and unorthodox methods. Alongside Dr. John Watson, played by Jude Law, Holmes faces off against nefarious criminal masterminds, including Lord Blackwood and Professor Moriarty. The films have been commercially successful, earning praise for Downey’s unique portrayal of Holmes and Ritchie’s energetic direction. A third film has been in development, keeping the excitement for the franchise alive.
