Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. have become synonymous with on-screen brilliance since their portrayal of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson in the critically acclaimed Sherlock Holmes series. Fans have long hoped for a reunion, and recent hints from Law suggest that a third installment of the detective franchise might finally be on the horizon. However, the dream of seeing the two in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) seems far less likely. Here’s everything we know so far.
A Friendship Forged in Deduction: Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Legacy
The iconic pairing of Jude Law as the steady, sharp-witted Dr. Watson and Robert Downey Jr. as the eccentric genius Sherlock Holmes first graced the silver screen in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (2009). Their undeniable chemistry and nuanced performances redefined the detective genre, bringing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters to life with a modern twist.
The duo returned in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), cementing their status as one of Hollywood’s most beloved on-screen partnerships. Off-screen, their camaraderie has been just as compelling, with Law describing their dynamic as “an incredibly rewarding experience.”
While fans have eagerly awaited a third installment for over a decade, production hurdles have kept the project in limbo. In a recent interview with The Playlist, Law offered a glimmer of hope:
“The plan has been evolving over how many years it’s been now, probably nearly ten years… 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?’”
Law emphasized that his friendship with Downey and producer Susan Downey remains a driving force in trying to bring Sherlock Holmes 3 to life.
Will Sherlock Holmes 3 Finally Happen?
For fans, the wait for Sherlock Holmes 3 has been excruciatingly long. The project has faced numerous delays due to budget constraints, scheduling conflicts, and shifting priorities within Warner Bros. Pictures. Despite these obstacles, the optimism from Law’s recent remarks signals that hope isn’t lost:
“There’s always hope. The friendships and the passion for the project are still there. It’s just about overcoming the hurdles.”
Given the ever-growing demand for nostalgic franchises and the proven box office success of detective stories, there’s a strong incentive for the studio to greenlight the sequel sooner rather than later.
Marvel Fans Dream Big: Could Law and Downey Reunite in the MCU?
Jude Law made his Marvel debut as Yon-Rogg in Captain Marvel (2019), delivering a memorable performance as the cunning and devout Kree commander. Although his character met a grim fate in the film, Law reprised the role in Marvel’s animated series What If…?, sparking speculation about his return to live-action.
With Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark no longer in the MCU, the idea of the two reuniting within the Marvel universe seems unlikely. During the same interview with The Playlist, Law humorously admitted his own confusion about his ongoing commitments to major franchises:
“I can’t even remember what I contractually owe to anyone [laughs]. If there’s a contract, it’s up to them. If they make the call, you gotta go, ‘OK, I’m here.’ But I can’t remember who I am beholden to.”
Although fans would love to see Downey’s new Marvel role as Dr. Doom intersect with Law’s Yon-Rogg, such a crossover remains a distant possibility. Instead, all eyes are on Sherlock Holmes 3 to bring the dynamic duo back together.
Why Sherlock Holmes 3 Is the Reunion Fans Deserve
Given the immense challenges in coordinating schedules and budgets for large-scale franchises, Sherlock Holmes 3 feels like the most realistic platform for the long-awaited reunion between Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. Their compelling dynamic as Watson and Holmes remains one of Hollywood’s most cherished partnerships, and the franchise’s enduring popularity only strengthens the case for a third installment.
With Law’s latest update on the script and the undeniable chemistry he shares with Downey, fans have every reason to remain hopeful. Until then, the dream of seeing these two powerhouses collaborate again—whether in Victorian London or the vast Marvel multiverse—continues to captivate audiences worldwide.