The screenwriter of ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ has provided an encouraging update on the highly anticipated sequel, confirming that a full draft of the script has been written. However, the future of the film remains uncertain due to Robert Downey Jr. the demanding professional schedule.According to The Direct, Chris Brancato, who is listed as the screenwriter of “Sherlock Holmes 3” and co-creator and showrunner of the Westies streaming series, gave a candid update on the status of the sequel during an interview. Brancato confirmed that he has already completed a full draft of the script, although he expressed uncertainty about whether the film will eventually 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 hope it gets done. But you know, we have to wait and see how things turn out. You never know with movies,” Brancato said when asked directly if the movie would happen.When asked specifically about the script’s completion status, Brancato confirmed the project’s progress. “Oh yeah, yeah. I wrote a draft,” he said, with his co-creator Michael Panes adding that the completed draft was “really good.”
The long history of development and previous updates
“Sherlock Holmes 3” was officially announced in May 2018 with a release scheduled for Christmas 2020. The studio later pushed the film forward 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 been stuck in development limbo ever since.The sequel has been in active development since shortly after the second film’s release in 2011, with several screenwriters attached over the years before Brancato took over scripting duties. A director was attached in 2019, with reports indicating that the ‘Rocketman’ director Dexter Fletcher signed after the departure of another filmmaker from the project.In August 2022, reports suggested that “Sherlock Holmes 3” was to begin filming later that year, but production never began. 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 status of the project
co-star Jude Lawwho played Dr. John Watson alongside Downey’s Sherlock Holmes in the previous two films, gave an official November 2024 update. “That, yes, is interesting. The plan has been evolving over the past several years, probably almost ten years. There is a great will to do it,” said Law, acknowledging the long development process while being optimistic about the future of the project.
Downey Jr.’s response and the role of the producer
In May 2026, Robert Downey Jr. finally gave a more concrete answer about the film’s development status. Speaking to the Associated Press, Downey acknowledged that decision-making power does not rest with him alone.“I don’t know. People are talking about it. She’s the producer and she’ll have the final say. It’s the biggest mystery,” Downey said, referring to his wife Susan Downey, who is a producer on the project.
The importance of completing the trilogy
Despite the frustration caused by the extended development timeline, “Sherlock Holmes 3” represents unfinished business that deserves a proper closure. The first two films were successful in large part because of the exceptional on-screen chemistry between Downey’s titular detective and Law’s loyal sidekick. Their dynamic proved fresh and surprisingly emotionally resonant, establishing itself as a major reason for the franchise’s commercial and critical success.