Screenwriter Chris Brancato confirmed he has completed a draft of Sherlock Holmes 3, though the sequel’s future still depends on Robert Downey Jr.’s schedule.Image credit (X)​
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.
