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Sherlock Holmes 3 with Robert Downey Jr finally gets an update from director Guy Ritchie
It's not like we've been waiting 15 years or anything!
Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images
- Phoebe Kowhai Barnes
Published: Monday, 18 May 2026 at 11:35 am
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After monumental delays director Guy Ritchie has finally given fans an update on the highly anticipated third Sherlock Holmes film with Robert Downey Jr.
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The first film was released in 2009 with its sequel, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, dropping only two years later in 2011 with Robert Downey Jr taking on the titular role and Jude Law bringing as Dr Watson.
A third instalment was then announced in 2018 but since then no progress has been made.
But now director Guy Ritchie, who helmed the first two films, has updated fans about the possibility of an upcoming film, promising that "the appetite is there".
Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr in Sherlock Holmes. Warner Bros
"I adore Downey, and I adored making those two movies," Ritchie said. "Look, I think it's just honestly a question of just aligning our schedules.
"I know the appetite for it's there, but the appetite for it from our side is there, too. So, we'd love to make that happen. I just don't know how it's going to happen. It's amazing that it hasn't happened."
While the update is promising, production starting for the film unfortunately still seems a long way off.
In 2019, it was reported that Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher had been brought onto the project to take over from Guy Ritchie on the franchise for the third film.
Production even got as far as being given a rough release window of December 2021 but for unknown the reasons, the film never came to fruition.
Jude Law, Robert Downey Jr and Rachel McAdams in Sherlock Holmes. Warner Bros
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr took on the role of Tony Stark / Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and has since been a part of a mammoth 11 films as the character which could explain why he hasn't been able to return to Sherlock Holmes just yet.
Sherlock Holmes has received many successful TV and film adaptations over the years, with MCU favourite Benedict Cumberbatch taking on the role in BBC's Sherlock from 2010 to 2017.
In more recent years, Superman actor Henry Cavill has portrayed the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle character in Netflix's Enola Holmes and in its 2022 sequel.
Guy Ritchie has also continued to bring the character to life in the 2026 Prime Video series Young Sherlock starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Holmes.
The first two Sherlock Films are available to stream on Prime Video now – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Plus, read our guides to the best Amazon Prime series and the best movies on Amazon Prime.
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Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Phoebe Kowhai BarnesFreelance Writer
Phoebe Kowhai Barnes is a Freelance Writer who covers pop culture and entertainment programmes for the Radio Times. She previously worked as the Senior Assistant Editor at The Tab where she managed its local department. She obtained a BA (Hons) in English Literature from University of Nottingham.
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