Movie franchises on the big screen can come it different sizes, with some making billions and other being far more content to make less money. The MCU and Star Wars certainly know how to make the big bucks, but even smaller franchises have a way of sticking around while pleasing fans around the world.
The Sherlock Holmes film franchise might not be on the same level as the MCU, but Robert Downey Jr. has helped make it a success. The franchise's third film is looking to cast Johnny Depp as its villain, and fans want to know how Downey feels about it.
Let's look at the third Sherlock Holmes film and see what's going on.
'Sherlock Holmes' Has Been A Successful Franchise
In 2009, just one year after Iron Man and Tropic Thunder put Robert Downey Jr. at the top of Hollywood, Sherlock Holmes hit theaters and became yet another smash hit for Downey, who was enjoying the sweet taste of success.
The film did all the little things right, and Downey was a perfect pick to play the iconic character. After grossing over $520 million at the global box office, Downey's third massive hit in 12 months was quickly given the sequel treatment. Two years later, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was released, and much like its predecessor, it was a huge hit, grossing over $540 million.
The franchise has been dormant for a decade, but this doens't mean that a third film is completely off of the table.
A Third Film Is On The Way
All the way back in 2011, it was confirmed that Sherlock Holmes 3 was being worked on, and fans have been patiently waiting for something to finally materialize. The first two films in the franchise were a major success, and it goes without saying that there are high expectations for the trilogy film.
In 2014, Susan Downey said, "Yeah. At a certain point it's going to be too long— we've waited too long. We're working as fast and responsibly as we can to get a great script."
It is clear that the team has been on board for a long time, but another 7 years have passed since that quote. However, things have really picked up in recent years, and the third film seems a lot closer than it has ever been.
In 2020, director Dexter Fletcher said, "Sherlock’s hit its own issues on and off. That’s sort of sitting on the back burner at the moment until it becomes clear where the world is at and what’s going to happen."
Despite things moving slowly, there is a plan for a third film, and there is even and IMDb page for it. Needless to say, fans are waiting for any details surrounding the film, and they got huge news when it was revealed that Robert Downey Jr. has been lobbying for Johnny Depp to play the film's villain.
Johnny Depp Could Be Playing The Villain
According to The Enquirer, via IMDb, Robert Downey Jr. was the man lobbying hard for Johnny Depp to play the villain in the next installment. Now, it might seem random to some for Downey to push hard for another A-list star, but the truth is that these two Hollywood titans have a long and storied friendship together.
"Johnny and Robert have a very special 30-year relationship that dates back to both of their days as eccentric Hollywood hell-raisers," a source told The Enquirer.
As many people are aware, before the MCU came along and Downey became the biggest movie star on the planet, he was a whole lot of wasted potential thanks to his trainwreck of a personal life and his substance abuse issues. Through hard work and dedication, Downey was able to overcome his demons and turn into one of the biggest box office stars in the history of film.
Depp is currently undergoing a rough period in his life, and he is not the box office draw he once was. As much as Downey would simply love to just work with a friend, he clearly sees an opportunity to lend a helping hand to someone in need.
"If anyone knows what it’s like to beat the odds after being written off, it’s Robert. Robert thinks Johnny deserves the same chance to redeem himself that he had," a source told The Enquirer.
Sherlock Holmes 3 has a ton of potential to become a hit film, and seeing these two legends working with one another would be a huge moment for fans. It could also give Depp a much-needed win.
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