Sherlock Holmes TV series coming from HBO Max, Robert Downey Jr.

Last Updated on April 6, 2022

Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes spinoff series, HBO Max

The game is afoot, as HBO Max and Warner Bros are looking to establish a Sherlock Holmes universe based on the films starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law with some TV series. According to Deadline, there are two potential spinoff series in early development at HBO Max. Team Downey’s Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey executive produce, with each series focusing on a different character.

Team Downey’s Amanda Burrell also executive produces alongside Wigram Productions’ Lionel Wigram, who produced the two Sherlock Holmes films. Unlike spinoffs like Peacemaker and The Batman‘s Penguin, the Sherlock Holmes spinoffs will focus on characters yet to be introduced.

According to reports, the plan introduces the new characters in Sherlock Holmes 3. The long-delayed sequel currently has no release date, and the spinoffs will hinge on how the film performs in theaters. Robert Downey Jr.’s schedule is jam-packed, but the actor says he’s committed to the project if interest holds.

Directed by Dexter Fletcher (Bohemian RhapsodyRocketman), Sherlock Holmes 3 stars Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris, and Eddie Marsan. Plot details are unknown at this time. Based on characters created by Arthur Conan Doyle, the film boasts a screenplay written by Chris Brancato (Narcos: MexicoGodfather of Harlem).

Downey Jr.’s last turn as the iconic character was for Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. The action-packed sequel earned $543+ million at the worldwide box office and featured Holmes and Dr. Watson squaring off against criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty (Harris). A Game of Shadows starred Rachel McAdams, Noomi Repace, Stephen Fry, Paul Anderson, and Kelly Reilly. That film came off the 2009 hit, which made $524 million worldwide and also won Downey a Golden Globe for his performance.

What do you think about Sherlock Holmes getting a pair of TV series on HBO Max? Sound off in the comments section below.

About the Author

Born and raised in New York, then immigrated to Canada, Steve Seigh has been a JoBlo.com editor, columnist, and critic since 2012. He started with Ink & Pixel, a column celebrating the magic and evolution of animation, before launching the companion YouTube series Animation Movies Revisited. He's also the host of the Talking Comics Podcast, a personality-driven audio show focusing on comic books, film, music, and more. You'll rarely catch him without headphones on his head and pancakes on his breath.