Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law's Sherlock Holmes franchise is set to return to the big screen with Sherlock Holmes 3, as per reports. Crime comedy icon Guy Ritchie directed the first two films, but for the third one in the saga, we will have Dexter Fletcher.
Two-time Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law was seen playing the role of Dr. Watson (Sherlock's best friend) in the original movie, adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's crime detective masterpiece. With the last part being released in 2011 (Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows), fans have been eagerly expecting a new film.
Amidst all the speculations, Jude Law has reportedly said in an interview with The Playlist that 'a new iteration' of the third threequel's script has already been wrapped up. Although he is still not aware of how it exactly goes, he has further added:
"Gosh, yeah, that’s interesting there were once plans for a time travel storyline. The plan has been evolving over how many years it’s been now, probably nearly ten years. There’s a great will to make it. And a great will amongst us all to get it right to do it, to find the time, to find the right team. The one great thing I took from both of those films is my friendship with Robert Downey Jr. aand his wife Susan, they mean an awful lot to me. The hope is we’re still going to do it. I think there’s a new iteration of the script I haven’t yet read. And then there’s a case of “How expensive is it? And can we get it made?” [Laughs] But honestly, also, there’s a friendship, but also the experience of working with Robert, and he really does bring an extraordinarily brilliant, fun, motivated, and inspirational kind of quality to a film set, and I miss it being a part of that. It was a great experience."
Where does the franchise stand right now with Sherlock Holmes 3?
Over the years, there have been multiple plans for Sherlock Holmes 3. Production has been delayed because the most appropriate story is yet to be found. Susan Downey has confirmed it, saying:
"I mean, look, no, there's no update, other than it's still very much alive in our hearts. Every day we talk about, "What is the best next version of that?" Because anytime I see Robert and Jude together, which fortunately, I do get to see a few times a year, we hang out, and I'm just like, "Can I get these guys back on screen together?", it's magic. There needs to be a really strong reason, it needs to be a great story, and we do have some things in the works."
So, as per the latest updates, there is no guarantee for Sherlock Holmes 3 to move forward immediately. Moreover, cost-related factors are also hindering the franchise, considering that the first two movies had budgets as high as $90 million and $125 million, respectively.
Is Robert Downey Jr. a deciding factor in the making of Sherlock Holmes 3?
Furthermore, Robert Downey's schedule is completely packed with upcoming Marvel movies in production, where he will reportedly play the part of Dr. Doom. With Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars around the corner, squeezing out time for Sherlock Holmes 3 is currently a big challenge.
So, even though a new version of the script has been confirmed, the production timeline needs to be worked out. Moreover, Jude Law has not read it himself, so that leaves the franchise's progress uncertain.
Fans can expect further updates on Sherlock Holmes 3 as the script has already been completed. Moreover, several people involved in the project have expressed their eagerness for the film to be produced, including Jude Law (Dr. Watson). But no release date, cast, or plot has been revealed yet.
While promoting his latest Star War series, Skeleton Crew, the star has shared his thoughts on where the franchise stands right now. Jude Law has said in a statement that working with co-star and good friend Robert Downey has been quite a journey, and he has praised the latter on his brilliance on a film set.
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