The screenwriter of ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ has given an encouraging update on the long-awaited threequel, confirming that a complete draft of the script has been written. However, the future of the film remains uncertain due to: Robert Downey Jr. 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 streaming series Westies gave a candid update about the status of the sequel during the interview. Brancato confirmed that he had completed a full draft of the script, although he expressed uncertainty as to whether the movie would eventually be produced.“Well, I don’t know, it’s up to the movie gods. Also, Robert’s schedule. Robert has a very busy schedule, so I hope it gets done. But you know, we’ll have to wait and see how things shake out. You just never know with movies,” said Brancato when asked directly if the film will happen.When asked specifically about the script’s completion status, Brancato confirmed the project’s progress. “Oh, yes, yes. I wrote a draft,” he said, with his co-creator Michael Panes adding that the finished draft was “very good.”
Long development history and previous updates
‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ was officially announced in May 2018 with a planned release of Christmas 2020. The studio later pushed the film to December 22, 2021, which will mark a full decade since the release of ‘Sherlock Holmes. A Game of Shadows’. However, the project never came to fruition and has remained stuck in development limbo ever since.The sequel has been in active development since shortly after the second film’s 2011 release, with several writers attached in the years before Brancato took over screenplay duties. A director is attached in 2019, with reports indicating that the ‘Rocketman’ helmer Dexter Fletcher was signed after the departure of another filmmaker from the project.In August 2022, reports suggested that ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ was scheduled to begin filming at the end of that year, but production never began. In June 2024, Fletcher told the media industry that he had been working closely with Downey on the project before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything.
Cast members weigh in on the project’s status
Co-star: Jude Lawwho describes Dr. John Watson co-star of Downey’s Sherlock Holmes in two previous films, gave an official update in November 2024. “Geez, yes, that’s interesting. The plan has been developing for several years now, maybe almost ten years. There is a great will to do it “said the Law who recognized the long development process while expressing optimism 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 state of the film’s development. Speaking through the Associated Press, Downey acknowledged that decision-making power does not exist alone.“I don’t know. People talk about it. He’s the producer and has the last word. It’s the biggest mystery,” said Downey, referring to his wife Susan Downey, who serves as the project’s producer.
The importance of completing the trilogy
Despite the disappointment caused by the extended development timeline, ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ represents unfinished business that deserves a proper closure. The first two films were successful largely because of the incredible on-screen chemistry between Downey’s titular detective and Law’s loyal partner. Their dynamic proved fresh and surprisingly emotionally resonant, establishing itself as a major factor in the franchise’s commercial and critical success.