Robert Downey Jr. has made it clear that the fate of his iconic Sherlock Holmes character does not lie with studio executives, fan campaigns, or even his own whims. Instead, it rests squarely on the shoulders of one person: his wife, Susan Downey. The Oscar-nominated actor revealed this surprising detail during the Lincoln Center Spring Gala, held on May 18 at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in New York City. When asked by the Associated Press about the long-rumored third Sherlock Holmes film, Downey Jr. gestured toward his wife and said, "People are talking about it, but she's the producer." He then added with a grin, "She'll have the last word." Susan Downey, an Emmy Award-winning producer and CEO of their joint production company Team Downey, matched his playful energy, responding, "It's the greatest mystery."
The Downeys' Creative Partnership
The couple, married since August 2005, have built a formidable creative empire together. Team Downey, their production company founded in 2010, has been behind critically acclaimed projects such as HBO's Perry Mason, the espionage drama The Sympathizer, and the upcoming crime thriller Play Dirty. Susan Downey's producing credits also include blockbusters like Iron Man 2, Sherlock Holmes (2009), and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011). Her role in the Sherlock Holmes franchise is not merely ceremonial; she was a key creative force behind the original films, working closely with director Guy Ritchie to shape the tone and direction of the modern reinterpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective.
For Downey Jr., having his wife as the gatekeeper of the franchise is both a comfort and a clever negotiation tactic. In interviews, he has often praised Susan's business acumen and storytelling instincts. The actor has said that she understands his creative process better than anyone else, and he trusts her implicitly with the legacy of characters he portrays. This dynamic was on full display at the spring gala, where the Downeys were honored for their contributions to the arts. The event, which raised funds for the Lincoln Center Theater, drew a star-studded crowd including Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Bettany, Tessa Thompson, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Mark Strong, Stephen Flaherty, Oscar Isaaco, and others.
The Sherlock Holmes Films: A Legacy
Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in director Guy Ritchie's two films was a game-changer. The 2009 original introduced a gritty, action-oriented, and intellectually sharp Holmes, with Jude Law as his loyal partner Dr. John Watson. The film grossed over $524 million worldwide and earned Downey Jr. a Golden Globe for Best Actor. The 2011 sequel, A Game of Shadows, deepened the story with the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris) and earned $545 million globally. Despite the commercial and critical success, a third film has remained elusive for over a decade.
Rumors of a third installment have surfaced periodically. In 2016, Warner Bros. reportedly began development on a new script. In 2019, the studio officially announced a release date of December 22, 2021, but the project was quietly removed from the calendar. The pandemic disrupted many productions, but the Sherlock Holmes threequel has yet to resurface. During a 2020 appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Downey Jr. mentioned that the script was not yet where he wanted it to be, and that Susan was essential in shaping the story. That sentiment echoes his latest remarks: she is the decider.
Why Susan Downey Holds the Key
Susan Downey's influence extends beyond the Sherlock Holmes films. She has overseen many of her husband's most successful projects, including the Iron Man trilogy and the Avengers series. Her role as producer often involves steering the narrative and ensuring that the material aligns with the actor's strengths. For the detective franchise, she has been vocal about waiting for the perfect script. In a 2018 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she stated, "We are only going to do it if it's better than the first two. There's no point in making a third film just to make a third film." This commitment to quality is likely why the project has stalled for so long.
Additionally, the Downeys have been busy with other ventures. Robert Downey Jr. has moved on to a diverse slate of projects, including the Dolittle reboot, Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer (which earned him an Academy Award nomination), and the HBO series McNeal. Meanwhile, Team Downey has been expanding with new film and television deals. The actor has also teased potential returns to other beloved franchises, including Marvel's Iron Man (though that seems unlikely after the character's death in Endgame). However, the Sherlock Holmes character remains a special one for him. In a 2021 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said, "Holmes is an integral part of my DNA. I'd love to play him again, but only if all the pieces fall into place."
The Lincoln Center Spring Gala: A Night of Celebration
The Lincoln Center Spring Gala, where the Downeys made these remarks, was a high-profile event. The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by a performance of the Broadway revival of Ragtime. The honorees, the Downeys, were recognized for their philanthropy and contributions to the arts. Robert Downey Jr. gave a heartfelt speech, praising his wife and their creative journey. The gala also honored other luminaries, but it was the Downeys' chemistry that stole the spotlight. In the red-carpet interviews, Downey Jr. repeatedly deflected questions about Sherlock Holmes to his wife, making clear that she holds the answers.
When a reporter pressed for a timeline, Susan Downey playfully responded, "It's the greatest mystery," which elicited laughter from Robert. The joke underscores the couple's united front and their desire to keep the franchise on their own terms. They have been married for over two decades, and their personal and professional relationship is often cited as one of Hollywood's strongest partnerships.
A Look at the Franchise's Future
If a third Sherlock Holmes film is to happen, it will likely require the involvement of director Guy Ritchie and star Jude Law. Ritchie has remained busy with projects like The Gentlemen, Wrath of Man, and Operation Fortune. Law, now an Oscar nominee himself, has also expressed interest in returning as Watson. In a 2022 interview with Variety, Law said, "I loved making those films. It was a blast. If Bob and Guy and Susan are in, I'm in." But without Susan Downey's green light, none of that matters.
The legacy of these films persists in popular culture. They inspired a renewed interest in Sherlock Holmes, leading to BBC's Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch and CBS's Elementary. The Downeys' interpretation is still celebrated by fans who eagerly await news of a third chapter. Social media campaigns and fan petitions have surfaced over the years, but the Downeys have remained steadfast. Their patience is reminiscent of the approach they took with Sicario and The Judge — projects that they developed over many years before greenlighting.
As of now, Warner Bros. has no announced release date for a third film. The studio has moved on to other franchises, including the DC universe and ongoing horror hits. But the door remains open. Robert Downey Jr.'s star power is undiminished, and the franchise's brand strength endures. The only missing piece is the vision of one woman: Susan Downey. “If she says yes,” Downey Jr. recently told a reporter, “then I’ll be on the next flight to London.”
The Downeys' partnership exemplifies how personal relationships can shape major Hollywood decisions. Beyond the jokes and playful banter, Susan Downey’s role as producer gives her ultimate creative control. She is not just the gatekeeper of the franchise but a vital collaborator whose judgment Robert trusts implicitly. Whether or not a third film ever materializes, the mystery around it — as Susan herself put it — may be the most entertaining part of the story.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News