Looks like we’ve got to solve the most fiendish case of our career: the mystery of the Sherlock Holmes 3 release date. It’s been more than a decade since we last saw Holmes and Watson (Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law), and we’ve been patiently waiting for news of their return.
We last saw Sherlock Holmes tackle his most terrifying case so far when he went up against the Napoleon of Crime, Doctor James Moriarty. The thriller movie ended on a cliff-hanger, and over the years there have been whispers, murmurs, and even an official announcement or two, but we’re still waiting. So, we’ve decided to do our own investigation on the new detective movie coming our way.
Sherlock Holmes 3 release date speculation
While there’s no Sherlock Holmes 3 release date confirmed, we know that the film is still in development, and Robert Downy Jr recently said the film was a priority for him.
The third Sherlock Holmes movie was announced soon after the release of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows more than a decade ago, all the way back in 2011.
Since then development has been slow, with the occasional comment from the cast or creative update, but nothing has seemed concrete. The movie was originally slated for a Christmas 2020 release date, but that came and went with no signs of our highly-anticipated trilogy round-out.
Still, we know Warner Bros has big plans for the franchise, with Downey Jr. and his wife reportedly working on not just a sequel film but also spin-off TV series for HBO Max as well.
Susan Downey also told The Wrap in April 2023: “Yes, it is in the hopper. We’re going to do it when it’s right, with the right people, but it is a priority for the company and a priority for Robert.”
So with that in mind, we’re expecting more news as we move into 2024 that should give us an idea of where the pre-production is currently at. Stay tuned for more updates!
Who’s in the Sherlock Holmes 3 cast?
It was previously announced that Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law would both reprise their roles of Sherlock and Watson, respectively.
This makes sense, since it’s clear from Downey’s comment that RDJ is eager to return. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Sherlock Holmes adventure without his trusted pal, Watson. The dynamic duo would likely be the main appeal for fans to return after all these years, realistically.
In the recent years of development, it was also announced that series director Guy Ritchie would be replaced by Dexter Fletcher in the chair. Last we heard, Chris Brancato was penning the script.
We expect this cast list to grow once development begins in earnest, so be sure to check back for more names as the list starts to grow!
The likely Sherlock Holmes 3 cast will include:
- Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock Holmes
- Jude Law as Doctor John Watson
What is the Sherlock Holmes 3 plot?
We imagine then that the third Sherlock Holmes movie will pick up where the second left off, with Watson thinking the great detective is dead.
Presumably, Watson then will learn the reports of Sherlock’s demise were exaggerated, and the pair will get back to fighting crime.
It’s difficult to say what crime they’ll be solving in the detective movie, though. If we were to speculate, we imagine they’ll pick up on the running theme of the bad guys trying to instigate the start of WW1, but even that is just a guess.
The franchise is based on characters from one of the world’s greatest detective tales, and although the first two scripts didn’t strictly follow the plot of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books, it’s perfectly possible the third movie might change course and be a more direct adaptation of one of his stories.
This creates even more options, since there are 56 short stories and four novels penned by Conan Doyle. That’s a lot of inspiration!
Is there a Sherlock Holmes 3 trailer?
There’s no Sherlock Holmes 3 trailer yet, and we won’t be getting one until at least some filming has been completed.
Right now, there’s nothing to share so early in the game. We imagine we’d be getting a first-look/teaser shortly after filming has finished. When it happens, you’ll be the first to know.
In the meantime, remind yourself of how the world’s greatest detective operates in the below clip from the first movie. (Beth Dutton cameo right here!)
Where can I watch Sherlock Holmes 3?
When it arrives, you should be able to catch Sherlock Holmes 3 on the big screen as part of a theatrical release.
The first two movies did great numbers at the box office, so it won’t be surprising to anyone when Warner Bros goes for a major theatrical release on this one.
It’ll end up on streaming services eventually, though we’ll just have to see who has a licensing deal with the studio at the time. If you’re looking to revisit the series so far, both movies are currently available to rent or buy on Apple TV Plus and Amazon Prime!
While we wait for news on Sherlock Holmes 3, why not check out our guide to the best action movies around? For more of the big screen’s biggest spectacles, be sure to check out our guides to the Fast and Furious 11 release date and Dune 2.
We also have a guide breaking down the best new movies 2023 has to offer. Or, broaden your horizons with our guide to the best movies of all time.