Robert Downey Jr.‘s upcoming film, Sherlock Holmes 3, is poised to take a significant turn by changing its setting from London to the United States, marking a notable shift in the franchise. This update brings fresh direction to the series, which has been highly anticipated by fans since it began development years ago.
The Sherlock Holmes franchise, long associated with the foggy, 19th-century streets of London, is preparing to head across the Atlantic for its next installment. Executive producer Susan Downey recently revealed to Collider that the new film aims to explore a different landscape, moving the story to America. This shift stands out as an unusual but bold move, given that the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories never placed Holmes on U.S. soil.
Explaining the idea, Susan Downey said,
“We’ve been talking about a slightly different direction It’s always been kind of set in America, and whether that’s a good idea or not, I’m not sure, but I love it. I love that idea. So, I would just love to do it. It’s just hard. It’s been a while, the bar is really high, or at least Robert [Downey Jr.] has set the bar really high, so I don’t know.”
This will be the first time that Sherlock Holmes’ narrative ventures outside of its traditional British environment in the cinema adaptations, bringing the detective into a modern or historical American context. While Holmes fandom has speculated for years about untold adventures in America during the gaps between the original novels, none have been officially part of the source materials until now.
The third Sherlock Holmes film has experienced a prolonged production period since its initial development in 2011, frequently encountering delays and uncertainty. However, those involved firmly insist that the project is still progressing, even if the timeline remains unclear. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are expected to reprise their iconic roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson respectively, promising continuity in the central cast despite changes behind the scenes.
Ongoing Development Challenges and Changes in the Creative Team
More than a decade after the previous Sherlock Holmes installment, the third film continues to linger in development. Warner Bros. retains ownership of the franchise, and both Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law remain committed to their parts. However, the creative team attached to the project has experienced shifts.
Originally directed by Guy Ritchie in the first two films, Sherlock Holmes 3 will move forward without him. Dexter Fletcher, known for directing Bohemian Rhapsody, was brought on in 2019 as Ritchie’s replacement and is assumed to still be leading the direction of the sequel. This change in leadership reflects a transition within the franchise’s approach to storytelling and production style.
Despite the ongoing confirmation that the film is alive, some cast members have expressed uncertainty about the current status. Notably, Jared Harris, who portrayed Professor James Moriarty, stated in a 2025 interview with The Direct,
“no one’s talking to [him] about it,”
and advised fans to stop inquiring, highlighting a disconnect or delay affecting supporting actors.
In contrast, Jude Law indicated more optimism in 2024, acknowledging that the project’s plans were “evolving,” which implies development is still underway and that progress might be made in scriptwriting or scheduling. If these components fall into place, production could begin soon, raising hopes for a tentative release within the next few years.
Anticipating the Impact of Moving Sherlock Holmes to America
The decision to place Sherlock Holmes 3 in America introduces a new dynamic to the established franchise, potentially expanding its narrative possibilities and audience reach. Shifting the detective’s environment could offer fresh storylines and cultural contrasts previously unexplored in this cinematic universe.
For Robert Downey Jr., whose career spans major franchise roles including his iconic portrayal of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this film represents another opportunity to expand his legacy in serialized storytelling. The elevated expectations he set with his earlier Sherlock Holmes performances underscore the challenge but also the excitement surrounding this next step.
With Susan Downey and Dexter Fletcher at the helm, fans are cautiously optimistic. If the franchise can maintain its signature blend of mystery and character-driven drama within this new setting, Sherlock Holmes 3 may revitalize interest and deliver an innovative chapter to a story that has captivated audiences for over a century.
