How can you possibly transition from being the centerpiece of a monolithic cinematic universe comprised of two dozen films, grossing billions and billions of dollars to being the star of a franchise that is working on its third film with no spinoffs or TV shows planned? The answer, if you’re Robert Downey, Jr., is simple—you don’t. You take something as simple as “Sherlock Holmes” and you infuse that Marvel Studios formula into its DNA and you create your own damn universe.
According to the actor, who spoke at a recent event for FastCompany, his plans for a new “Sherlock Holmes” film are still progressing, but those plans are also greatly expanding. You see, Robert Downey, Jr and his wife/producing partner, Susan (who make up the leadership of Team Downey production company) are taking Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective character and creating a cinematic universe.
The duo explained that plans for the upcoming “Sherlock Holmes 3” is not just to hope for a third box office hit, but to also plant seeds for future spinoffs, particularly in the realm of TV.
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“At this point, we really feel that there is not a mystery-verse built out anywhere, and Conan Doyle is the definitive voice in that arena, I think, to this day,” Downey said. “So to me, why do a third movie if you’re not going to be able to spin off into some real gems of diversity and other times and elements?”
Susan Downey added, “We think there’s an opportunity to build it out more. Spin-off characters from a third movie, to see what’s going on in the television landscape, to see what Warner Media is starting to build out, things with HBO and HBO Max.”
So, there you have it. “Sherlock Holmes 3” will be the planned beginning of a “mystery-verse,” which will somehow create other characters that will be the centers of their own stories. We saw Netflix sort of run with this idea (and with great success) with “Enola Holmes.” Maybe there’s a new Enola Holmes that will be introduced? Maybe a series based around Moriarty? Hell, Jude Law’s Watson can get his own limited-run series on HBO Max too! Oh, let’s get really crazy and maybe have this all lead up to the crossover to end all crossovers, with Sherlock teaming up with Hercule Poirot! (Team Downey, give me a call! There are more good ideas where this came from!)
Brace yourself Holmes Heads (that’s what the Sherlock super fans are called right?), RDJ has all your mystery needs covered!