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The possibility of a thirdSherlock Holmesfilm featuringRobert Downey Jr.as the titular detective and Jude Law as Dr. John Watson has been an enduring topic of discussion for fans and critics alike.
Following the tremendous success ofSherlock Holmes(2009) andSherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows(2011), the franchise, directed by Guy Ritchie, has been poised to continue. Yet, over a decade later,Sherlock Holmes 3remains in development limbo.
With a legacy of over $1 billion in combinedbox officeearnings, the series remains a profitable and culturally significant asset forWarner Bros. But what’s holding the project back, and what updates have emerged? Let’s delve into the mystery.
In this blog, I’ll talk about the long-awaitedSherlock Holmes 3, why it’s been delayed, the status of the BBCSherlockseries, and the polarizing reception ofSherlockSeason 4.
Let’s get started!
The Franchise So Far
Guy Ritchie’sSherlock Holmesfilms redefined the iconic detective for modern audiences. Robert Downey Jr.’s eccentric and charismatic take on Sherlock Holmes paired with Jude Law’s grounded and loyal portrayal ofDr. John Watsoncreated a dynamic duo beloved by fans.
The films blended thrilling mystery, elaborate action sequences, and wit, all set against a richly atmospheric Victorian backdrop.
The first film,Sherlock Holmes, grossed over $524 million worldwide and earned two Academy Award nominations. Its sequel,Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, built upon its predecessor’s success, earning $543 million globally.
Together, the films proved to be a lucrative venture, with a combined budget of $215 million yielding more than $1 billion at the box office.
Why the Delay?
Despite early announcements forSherlock Holmes 3, the project has been plagued by numerous delays. Several factors have contributed to its prolonged development:
1.Robert Downey Jr.’s Commitments
At the height of theSherlock Holmesseries’ success, Robert Downey Jr. became deeply entrenched in his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Between 2008 and 2019, Downey Jr.’s involvement in multiple MCU films left little room for other major projects.
2.Guy Ritchie’s Career Trajectory
Director Guy Ritchie also shifted focus to other projects, includingThe Man from U.N.C.L.E.(2015),King Arthur: Legend of the Sword(2017), and Disney’s live-actionAladdin(2019). His busy schedule may have hindered progress on the thirdSherlock Holmesinstallment.
3.The Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Hollywood’s production schedules on a massive scale. WhileSherlock Holmes 3was originally slated for a 2020 release, the pandemic forced further delays.
4.Creative Challenges
The story forSherlock Holmes 3has reportedly undergone multiple rewrites. Various writers, including Chris Brancato (Narcos), Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road), have been attached to the project at different stages.
Finding the right narrative to follow up on the events ofA Game of Shadowshas been a significant hurdle.
1.Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s Involvement
In recent interviews, Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, producerSusan Downey, have expressed their continued interest in bringingSherlock Holmes 3to life.
During an interview withCollider, Susan stated, “We want it to be perfect, and perfection takes time.” The couple has been actively involved in steering the film’s creative direction.
2.Dexter Fletcher as Director
In 2019, it was announced that Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman,Bohemian Rhapsody) would take over as director from Guy Ritchie. Fletcher has expressed enthusiasm for the project but noted the challenges of coordinating schedules and ensuring a compelling script.
3.Warner Bros.’ Commitment
Warner Bros. remains invested in the franchise, recognizing its profitability and cultural impact. Reports indicate that the studio is eager to capitalize on the growing appetite for sequels and revivals of popular IPs.
4.Streaming as a Potential Avenue
With the rise of streaming platforms, there have been discussions about the possibility ofSherlock Holmes 3debuting on a service likeMax(formerly HBO Max). While nothing has been confirmed, this shift could provide a new distribution model for the film.
Fans and critics have speculated extensively about the potentialplotofSherlock Holmes 3. The previous film ended with Holmes faking his death and Watson believing him to be deceased. The third installment could explore the fallout of Holmes’ deception and Watson’s reaction upon discovering the truth.
Additionally, the film might delve deeper into the relationship between Holmes and Professor Moriarty. Although Moriarty seemingly met his end inA Game of Shadows, his character has often returned in Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories and other adaptations.
The enduring popularity ofSherlock Holmesas a literary and cinematic character ensures continued interest in the franchise. The chemistry between Downey Jr. and Law remains a major draw, and fans are eager to see their dynamic evolve further.
Moreover, the success of other delayed sequels (Top Gun: Maverickis a prime example) demonstrates that prolonged development cycles don’t necessarily dampen audience enthusiasm.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. The film industry’s current landscape—marked by shifting consumer preferences, streaming competition, and ongoing strikes—adds layers of complexity to the production process.
Ensuring thatSherlock Holmes 3meets fan expectations and maintains the quality of its predecessors will be critical to its success.
The Comparison Of Progress & Challenges
To better understand the current state of Sherlock Holmes 3 and the Sherlock series, here’s a quick comparison of their progress and challenges:
Topic
Status
Key Challenges
Sherlock Holmes 3
Confirmed but delayed
Scheduling conflicts, script rewrites, pandemic
BBCSherlockSeries
Indefinite hiatus
Cast availability, creative direction uncertainty
Sherlock HolmesFranchise Success
$1B+ global box office haul
Maintaining momentum after long gaps
SherlockSeason 4 Criticism
Mixed reviews; polarizing reception
Overcomplexity, inconsistent character arcs
This table highlights the ongoing hurdles both franchises face while emphasizing their enduring appeal.
Conclusion
While the journey toSherlock Holmes 3has been far from straightforward, recent developments suggest that the game is still very much afoot.
Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s commitment, coupled with Warner Bros.’ interest and Dexter Fletcher’s direction, provide hope that the film will eventually come to fruition.
For now, fans can only wait patiently for the return of the world’s most famous detective and his loyal companion.
As Sherlock Holmes himself might say, “The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” PerhapsSherlock Holmes 3will surprise us when we least expect it.
Last Updated: December 22, 2024
