Over a decade has passed sinceRobert Downey Jr.last suited up as Baker Street’s most famous resident, and nearly five years have passed since a third installment of the RDJ-leadSherlock Holmesfilm series was officially announced, though despite production stalling to a halt, the actor is still holding out hope that a third film will materialize—eventually.
While it wasinitially reportedall the way back in 2011 that work had begun on a thirdSherlock Holmesfilm, the project wasn’t given itsrelease dateuntil 2018, promising to hit theaters on Christmas Day of 2020. Less than a year later it was reported thatSherlock Holmes 3would bepushed backby a full year to December 2021. Since then, things have been looking progressively bleaker and bleaker for the film, with directorDexter Fletcherdeclaring the project"on the back burner" and as recently as this weekconfirmingthe project is “not currently” in development, citing a lack of faith in Downey Jr.’s “appetite” for the film - despite a “brilliant” script. However,Susan Downey—Team Downey producer and wife to RDJ—has assured fans that the film is still very much a priority.
Speaking on theUnWrapped podcast, Downey, joined by producing partnerAmanda Burell, insistedSherlock Holmes 3is still very much in the cards: “well, here’s what I can tell you. And Amanda can attest to this. Prior to this, we had lunch together with Robert, the three of us. And it was a very specific topic of conversation,” the producer said. “So yes, it is in the hopper. We’re going to do it when it’s right, with the right people, but it is a priority for the company and a priority for Robert.” While there was no indication of when said right time may be, Downey assured fans that she and Burell “really push, push, push” on prospective projects, always considering “what can we do next?”
RELATED:‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ Depends on Robert Downey Jr. According to Guy Ritchie
But How Would a NewSherlock HolmesWork?
When we spoke withGuy Ritchiea few months agoabout the prospects ofSherlock Holmes 3, the writer-director indicated that the ball was firmly in Downey’s court, telling Collider:
“Well, honestly, I left this up to Robert [Downey Jr.]. So Robert wanted to be in charge of this. The ball’s in his court, so he’s in charge of the script, he’s in charge of the whole thing. I’ve moonwalked out of that until there’s a time for me to get involved.”
Susan Downey seemed confident that production on a thirdSherlock Holmesfilm would not be forced, saying, “I do know, like, there are times where just I’ve had more years of experience to know when to settle down and follow the process. Like, as much as we want to will that into existence, you have to let a couple of things happen before you do the big push, and maybe it gets there on its own.” While this will be of little comfort to fans who have awaited a third installment into the franchise for over a decade, one can hope that the script that does cause Team Downey to finally move forward with the project will be one that is certainly worth the wait.
While we wait for further updates about the long-awaited film, check out our interview with Guy Ritchie about the prospects ofSherlock Holmes 3:
