Robert Downey Jr’s Sherlock Holmes Turns 16: Will a Third Film Ever Happen?

Some films just seem to get better with age, and Guy Ritchie’s take on Sherlock Holmes is a prime example. Starring Robert Downey Jr., the stylish, action-heavy detective yarn first hit screens 16 years ago, and it’s still got punters keen for more. Both Sherlock Holmes and its sequel, A Game of Shadows, are now streaming on Netflix, letting fans revisit the foggy streets of Victorian London and the sharp banter between Downey Jr. and Jude Law as Holmes and Watson.

Downey Jr. Breaks Silence on the Elusive Third Film

Despite the ongoing calls for a third instalment, the wait drags on. Recently, Robert Downey Jr. finally addressed the long-standing question about Sherlock Holmes 3. At a screening event for Play Dirty, he gave a rare, candid update on why the next chapter hasn’t materialised, even though it once came close to getting the green light.

Downey Jr. explained that one version nearly went ahead, but scheduling issues with Jude Law threw a spanner in the works. Looking back, he’s actually relieved that version didn’t get made, as it didn’t feel quite right and might have let down both the characters and the fans.

God, that is loaded. How much do I give? We came pretty close at one point, and I think I am grateful that we didn’t make that version of it. I won’t go into what that was, which isn’t meant to sound cryptic. It just didn’t work out timing-wise, because we couldn’t get it in before Jude [Law] was going to be unavailable.

I think it was a good thing that we all stepped back. And then there was a big old pandemic and all that kind of stuff. I would love to bring a third Sherlock to the world. I really would. And we’ve been playing with it for a long time.

After that, the pandemic put everything on ice, pushing the project even further out of reach. Still, Downey Jr. made it clear he’s not lost his passion for the role and would love to see a third film come to life, confirming the idea’s been in the works for years.

Why Downey Jr.’s Holmes Has Fans Hooked

So, what’s got everyone so keen for another round? Downey Jr. might be best known as Iron Man, but his performance as Holmes showed just how much range he’s got. The detective role called for quick wit, emotional restraint, and a knack for physical comedy—quite a shift from the superhero swagger and CGI of Tony Stark.

Holmes is famously awkward, obsessive, and often lost in his own head. Pulling that off without making him dull takes real skill. Downey Jr. managed to balance the character’s brilliance and chaos, proving he’s more than just a blockbuster star—he’s got the chops to make even the most iconic roles feel fresh.

Sherlock Holmes Films by the Numbers

Here’s a quick look at the basics for both films:

Movies: Sherlock Holmes (2009), Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
Director: Guy Ritchie
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 70% (2009), 60% (2011)
Box Office: $498 million (2009), $535 million (2011)

With both films still drawing in viewers on streaming, it’s no wonder fans are hoping to see Downey Jr. and Law back in action. The chemistry, the clever dialogue, and the punchy action sequences have left audiences wanting more. Whether a third film will ever get off the ground remains to be seen, but the appetite is definitely there.