Key Takeaways:
– Guy Ritchie will direct and executive produce the Prime Video series, Young Sherlock, starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin.
– Ritchie exited the Sherlock Holmes movie franchise as Robert Downey Jr. wished to take control.
– Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher was to direct the third Sherlock Holmes film, which has been halted due to scheduling conflicts.
Guy Ritchie, known for his captivating directing style, has now donned the director and executive producer hats for the Prime Video series, Young Sherlock. Ritchie, who had a successful stint with the Sherlock Holmes films, withdrew from the third installment, paving the way for Robert Downey Jr. to take charge.
Introducing the New Sherlock
Ritchie’s Young Sherlock will be based on the book series by Andy Lane, casting Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the lead role. The departure of Ritchie from the Sherlock Holmes movies was driven by Downey Jr.’s desire to curate the franchise. Thus, Ritchie turned his creative gaze upon a younger version of the charismatic detective.
The Uncertain Fate of ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’
In 2019, following Ritchie’s departure, Dexter Fletcher of Rocketman fame, was chosen to direct the third film. However, Fletcher’s involvement has only added to the uncertainty surrounding the production. Everyone’s packed schedules, further disrupted by the pandemic, have created a roadblock for the film’s progress.
Fletcher recently expressed his disappointment on the challenges in getting the project back on track post-pandemic. He said, “These things are so delicate that now trying to pull all those threads back together to a meaningful place is proving to be difficult. I’m busy. He’s busy. People are busy.”
The director also acknowledged having worked closely with Robert Downey Jr. before COVID-19 interrupted the proceedings. Post-pandemic, Downey Jr. was occupied with Christopher Nolan on the movie, Oppenheimer.
A Look into the Franchise’s Success
The Sherlock Holmes series, featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, turned out to be an outright success. The first film cashed in nearly $500 million worldwide, and its sequel performed even better with $535 million earnings, highlighting the franchise’s commercial viability.
According to these numbers, Downey Jr.’s involvement becomes all the more pivotal for Warner Bros., suggesting that they should prioritize securing the actor for the third installment.
Ritchie’s Exit from Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes Movies
In an interview, Ritchie opened up about his decision to relinquish control of the franchise, stating that he left it up to Downey Jr. He explained, “Robert wanted to be in charge of this. The ball’s in his court, so he’s in charge of the script, he’s in charge of the whole thing. I’ve moonwalked out of that until there’s a time for me to get involved.”
Despite leaving the Holmes franchise, Ritchie remains associated with the Sherlock Holmes universe. He has even decided to collaborate with his The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare actor, Fiennes Tiffin for the Young Sherlock project.
Matthew Parkhill is set to serve as the writer and showrunner for the series, making it an ambitious project for the Prime Video platform.
Fans of the Holmes franchise can rent and watch the first two installments on AppleTV+ as they wait for newer adventures.
