A third film in Guy Ritchie‘s Sherlock Holmes series has been rumored for some time, but according to the director, everything is now up in the hands of star Robert Downey Jr.
Speaking to Collider, Ritchie — who directed 2009’s Sherlock Holmes and the 2011 follow-up Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows — said that Downey Jr. wanted to be in charge of a third film, and so as of now, things are in his hands.
“Well, honestly, I left this up to Robert,” revealed Ritchie. “So Robert wanted to be in charge of this. The ball’s in his court, so he’s in charge of the script, he’s in charge of the whole thing. I’ve moonwalked out of that until there’s a time for me to get involved.”
The future of the Sherlock Holmes franchise has been one clouded with mystery for some time. In April 2022, a report from Variety noted that HBO Max was developing two television series tied to the films, with Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan, executive producing them. However, it’s unclear whether or not those projects continue to be in development.
A third feature film in the franchise has also been in the works for more than 10 years now, with the film even originally set for release in 2021 at one point. The film was rumored to see Downey Jr. and Jude Law return as Sherlock and Dr. John Watson, respectively, although it’s unknown whether or not any more progress has been made in the development of that film.