Sherlock Holmes 3 (2025)

Sherlock Holmes 3: What We Know So Far

It’s been over a decade since the release of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, but the third installment of the Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law franchise has yet to see the light of day. Although Sherlock Holmes 3 was confirmed soon after the success of A Game of Shadows, production has been in a perpetual state of limbo. From shifting writers to changes in direction, it’s been a bumpy road for the beloved detective duo. However, there are promising updates and renewed hope for fans of the franchise.

The Latest Update: Jude Law’s Optimism

Despite the lengthy hiatus, Jude Law recently offered a glimmer of hope for the long-awaited sequel. The actor, who plays Dr. Watson, provided an encouraging update during an interview, revealing that a new version of the script had been completed. He also expressed his excitement about the project, citing his deep friendship with Robert Downey Jr. as a driving force behind his enthusiasm. Law shared, “There’s a great will amongst us all to get it right,” alluding to the fact that they are still keen to make the film happen. However, he also acknowledged that logistical and financial hurdles remain, making it clear that the wheels are still turning, albeit slowly.

Law’s comments are especially encouraging considering how quiet things had become in recent years. For a long time, there was no official word on whether the movie would ever materialize, but it seems like the passion to bring Holmes and Watson back to the big screen hasn’t faded.

A Troubled Production History

The journey to Sherlock Holmes 3 has been a saga in itself. The film was first confirmed in 2011, immediately following the success of A Game of Shadows. However, years went by without significant progress, as the project languished in development hell. Things briefly gained momentum in 2018, and by 2019, it was revealed that Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher would take the helm, replacing Guy Ritchie, who directed the first two installments. Fletcher’s involvement sparked hopes for a fresh direction, but no major updates followed in the years since.

Meanwhile, Narcos co-creator Chris Brancato was hired to write the script, and a tentative 2021 release window was set. However, the pandemic and other production delays put the project on ice, and the film has yet to be officially greenlit. As of late 2024, Law hinted at the completion of another script iteration, but there’s still no set timeline for the movie’s debut.

Who’s Returning?

If Sherlock Holmes 3 does eventually make it to the screen, the cast will likely feature Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law reprising their roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, respectively. Fans of the previous films can expect the same dynamic duo, with their witty banter and clever crime-solving skills taking center stage once more.

One question on everyone’s mind is whether Rachel McAdams will return as Irene Adler. While it’s unclear whether her character will make a reappearance, McAdams’ absence would be a notable one, given how central her character was in the first film.

The Plot: What Lies Ahead for Sherlock?

As for the plot, we know that the story will continue from the cliffhanger ending of A Game of Shadows, where Holmes seemingly sacrificed himself in his battle with Moriarty. However, in the final moments, a mysterious underwater breathing device hints at Holmes’ survival. This leaves the door wide open for a new mystery to unfold, one that could either pick up where the previous film left off or introduce an entirely new case for Holmes and Watson to crack.

While nothing is set in stone, it’s likely that Sherlock Holmes 3 will combine elements of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories with new, modern twists to keep the franchise fresh and exciting. As we’ve seen in other adaptations, there’s room for plenty of creativity in crafting new stories for Holmes to investigate, while still staying true to the essence of his character.

What’s Next?

Despite the drawn-out production timeline, there’s still hope for Sherlock Holmes 3 to become a reality. With renewed enthusiasm from Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, and the determination to get it right, fans may finally see the return of the legendary detective duo on the big screen.

In the meantime, the world of Sherlock Holmes continues to expand, with other adaptations like Netflix’s Enola Holmes gaining traction. But with Downey Jr. and Law’s undeniable chemistry and the ongoing buzz about the film, Sherlock Holmes 3 could very well be the next big chapter in the detective’s storied cinematic history.

Stay tuned for more updates, as we wait for the mystery of Sherlock Holmes 3 to unfold.