For more than a decade, fans of the Sherlock Holmes franchise have been left hanging on a thread of anticipation, eagerly awaiting news of a third installment. The first two films, directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, were cinematic triumphs that grossed over $1 billion worldwide. However, despite the franchise’s profitability, the journey to Sherlock Holmes 3 has been far from smooth. Recently, actor Jared Harris, who portrayed Professor Moriarty in A Game of Shadows, expressed his frustration over the incessant queries regarding the much-anticipated sequel.
In a candid interview while promoting the third season of Foundation, Harris responded to inquiries about Sherlock Holmes 3 by saying, “I keep taking that down [on IMDb].” His exasperation was palpable as he added, “I have no idea. No one’s talking to me about it. And I really wish people would stop asking me.” His comments shed light on the fact that, despite fans’ enthusiasm, the production seems to be stuck in limbo.
The Ongoing Saga of Sherlock Holmes 3
Sherlock Holmes 3 was first announced in 2011 following the success of A Game of Shadows, but development has been plagued by delays. Initial momentum picked up in 2018, with Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher taking the helm. Yet, as fans have learned, excitement can quickly turn into frustration. Plans for a 2021 release fell through, partly due to the pandemic’s disruptive impact on filmmaking schedules.
Amidst this chaos, Warner Bros. enlisted Chris Brancato, co-creator of Narcos, to tackle the screenplay. Despite a faint glimmer of hope with Jude Law’s revelation in November 2024 that a new version of the script was completed, updates have been scarce. The uncertainty only fuels speculation about what the future holds for the iconic detective duo.
Anticipating the Future: Will It Ever Happen?
As the years slip by, the prospect of Sherlock Holmes 3 appearing on our screens grows dimmer. The key hurdle is the demanding schedule of Robert Downey Jr., who is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in major roles for upcoming films like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. With filming commitments extending into 2026, fans face the grim reality that even the earliest potential release for the threequel may not come until 2028.
While Sherlock Holmes 3 might seem further away than ever, its cultural significance looms large. The fresh take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s masterpiece, coupled with the star-studded cast, has created a lasting impact on audiences. Whether or not the film ever materializes, the dialogue around it continues to resonate, creating a sense of nostalgia for what was and yearning for what could still be.
For now, fans will have to turn their attention to the latest ventures, like Oppenheimer or revisit classics in the Christopher Nolan repertoire, while keeping an eye on developments from the world of Sherlock Holmes.