The screenwriter of ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ has provided an encouraging update on the long-awaited threequel, confirming that a complete script draft has been written. However, the film’s future remains uncertain due to Robert Downey Jr. ‘s demanding professional schedule.According to The Direct, Chris Brancato who is listed as the screenwriter for ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ and co-creator and showrunner of the streaming series Westies gave a candid update about the sequel’s status during an interview. Brancato confirmed that he has already completed a full draft of the script, though he expressed uncertainty about whether the movie will ultimately be produced.“Well, I don’t know, that’s up to the movie gods. Also, Robert’s schedule. Robert has a very, very busy schedule, so I’m hopeful that it will get made. But you know, we have to wait and see how things shake out. You just never know with movies,” Brancato stated when asked directly whether the film would happen.When asked specifically about the script’s completion status, Brancato confirmed progress on the project. “Oh, yes, yes. I wrote a draft,” he said, with his co-creator Michael Panes adding that the completed draft was “very good.”
The long development history and previous updates
‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ was officially announced in May 2018 with a planned Christmas 2020 release. The studio later pushed the film to December 22, 2021, which would have marked a full decade since the release of ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’. However, the project never materialized and has remained stuck in development limbo since that time.The sequel has been in active development since shortly after the second film’s 2011 release, with multiple writers attached over the years before Brancato took over screenplay duties. A director was attached in 2019, with reports indicating that ‘Rocketman’ helmer Dexter Fletcher signed on following another filmmaker’s departure from the project.In August 2022, reports suggested that ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ was set to begin filming at the end of that year, but the production never commenced. In June 2024, Fletcher told industry media that he had worked extensively with Downey on the project before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything.
Cast members weigh in on the project’s status
Co-star Jude Law, who portrayed Dr. John Watson alongside Downey’s Sherlock Holmes in both previous films, gave an official update in November 2024. “Gosh, yeah, that’s interesting. The plan has been evolving over how many years it’s been now, probably nearly ten years. There’s a great will to make it” Law stated acknowledging the lengthy development process while expressing optimism about the project’s future.
Chris Brancato revealed the screenplay is finished, but production remains uncertain as the project awaits Robert Downey Jr.’s availability.Image credit (X)
Another cast member from the franchise also addressed the film’s uncertain status. Jared Harris who played Sherlock’s rival Professor Moriarty gave a more pessimistic assessment during an interview in July 2025. When asked about the latest update on the sequel, Harris expressed his lack of involvement in current discussions about the project.“Yeah. I mean, I keep taking that down and someone keeps putting it back up. I have no idea. No one’s talking to me about it. And I really wish people would stop asking me… It should be on there. I mean, no one’s talking to me about it. I have no clue” Harris stated indicating he has not been contacted about any developments regarding the threequel.
Downey Jr. ‘s response and the producer’s role
In May 2026, Robert Downey Jr. finally provided a more concrete response regarding the film’s development status. Speaking via the Associated Press, Downey acknowledged that the decision-making power does not rest with him alone.“I don’t know. People are talking about it. She’s the producer and will have the last word. It’s the greatest mystery,” Downey said, referencing his wife Susan Downey, who is serving as a producer on the project.
The long-delayed sequel has taken a major step forward with a completed script, though filming has yet to receive the green light.Image credit (X)
Downey’s current professional commitments
Downey Jr. has maintained an exceptionally busy schedule in recent years. Following his extensive tenure in a major superhero franchise as Iron Man, he starred in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, for which he won his first Academy Award. He subsequently immersed himself in another major television project before clearing his schedule to return to the superhero world in the roles of Doctor Doom in upcoming installments of the Avengers franchise.
The significance of completing the trilogy
Despite the frustration caused by the extended development timeline, ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ represents unfinished business that deserves proper closure. The first two films succeeded largely because of the exceptional on-screen chemistry between Downey’s titular detective and Law’s loyal companion. Their dynamic proved both fresh and surprisingly emotionally resonant, establishing itself as a primary reason for the franchise’s commercial and critical success.
