What's Inside?
- Jared Harris reveals he's received no communication about Sherlock Holmes 3, adding uncertainty to the long-stalled sequel’s future.
- Director Dexter Fletcher blames pandemic for delays but insists the film should be made when schedules and creative minds align.
- Jude Law offers hope by confirming a new script version is in development with strong support from the original cast.
More than a decade has passed since Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law lit up the screen as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, but despite fans’ constant calls for a third installment, the road to Sherlock Holmes 3 remains frustratingly uncertain. The sequel to Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows has been trapped in development limbo since it was officially announced in 2018. While there have been occasional flashes of hope, recent comments from key cast and creators have poured cold water on those expectations. With Jared Harris sharing disappointment, Jude Law offering cautious optimism, and even the BBC’s Sherlock ruled out for a return, Holmes fans are left clinging to threads.
Jared Harris’s Frustration and Development Hell Continue to Plague Sherlock Holmes 3
While the first two Sherlock Holmes films not only redefined the classic detective story but also raked in major box office success, the third movie has seen years of stagnation. The situation grew even murkier when Jared Harris, who portrayed the formidable Professor Moriarty, spoke with The Direct and revealed that he had heard absolutely nothing about returning to the franchise.
“Yeah. I mean, I keep taking that down [on IMDb] 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 admitted.
His words, while not a definitive cancellation, highlight the communication gap that seems to surround the project. Originally, Sherlock Holmes 3 was scheduled for release on Christmas Day in 2020, only to be pushed back repeatedly, with the pandemic being cited as a major factor. Dexter Fletcher, who replaced Guy Ritchie as director, explained to Collider that the global crisis scattered the creative team.
“The pandemic derailed it. I do think it will get made. I think it has to be made… It’s about all the right people being at the right place, at the right time,” Fletcher said, stressing his belief in the film’s potential and fan demand. Still, the delays and silence from key players have made many question whether the film is still a priority.
Jude Law’s Optimism Clashes with Benedict Cumberbatch’s Exit from the Small Screen
While Harris’s comments may discourage longtime fans, Jude Law has provided glimmers of hope. Back in November, Law confirmed that a “new iteration” of the script was being worked on and that there was “great will amongst us all to get it right to do it, to find the time, to find the right team.” His statement reinforced the idea that while development is slow, the cast remains interested—if only schedules could align, especially now with Robert Downey Jr. re-entering the MCU fold.
Adding to the collective sigh from the Holmes fandom, co-creator Mark Gatiss recently announced that the BBC’s beloved Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, was unlikely to return. “Benedict and Martin didn’t want to do any more… It’s important to acknowledge when a time is a time… Going back is often very difficult,” Gatiss explained, marking a definitive close to another fan-favorite iteration of the detective.
Amidst all this, Sherlock & Daughter has emerged as a small consolation. The CW’s modern take features David Thewlis as Sherlock Holmes, caught in a web of conspiracy while forming an unexpected bond with Amelia Rojas, a young Native American woman who believes he may be her father. The show is currently being shopped after a successful first season, offering at least a fresh interpretation of Doyle’s timeless character.
While Sherlock Holmes 3 is not officially dead, the road ahead remains as mysterious as the cases Holmes once solved. Fans can only hope that the stars—and schedules—will eventually align.
