Summary
Four upcomingSherlock Holmesprojects for film and television have one curious thing in common regarding the iconic detective’s role in their stories. Between the unlikeliness ofSherlockseason 5and the uncertainty ofSherlock Holmes 3, it seemed like Holmes would stay away from the screens for a few years. However, theSherlock Holmes bookscontinue to inspire creators, with several other projects based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s character set to be released in the near future.
The announcement ofGuy Ritchie’sYoung Sherlockseriesconfirmed that Holmes’ pop culture impact remains even after the conclusion of series like Sherlock andElementary. Twelve years afterSherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, the character’s future seems to be on the small screen for now. Interestingly,three upcoming Sherlock-related shows and a movie are using the same trick.
Most Upcoming Sherlock Holmes Project Aren’t Exactly About Sherlock
Other Sherlock-related characters & settings will get the spotlight
Most of the upcoming Sherlock Holmes movies and TV shows are not exactly about SherlockHolmes. This includes CBS’sWatson, The CW’sSherlock and Daughter, Amazon’sYoung Sherlock, andNetflix’sEnola Holmes3. TheWatsons series, as suggested by its title, will focus on JohnWatson. The show will take place in modern-day America and will follow Dr. Watson in the aftermath of Sherlock’s death at the hands of Moriarty. Although Sherlock Holmes’ book history suggests his death is not definitive,Watsonwill be about its titular character – not Holmes.
2025
Sherlock and Daughter
Movie
TBD
Likewise, while not much is known aboutSherlock and Daughter, the upcoming CW series will follow an American character, Amelia, who believes she is Sherlock Holme’s daughter. Although Sherlock is in the show – including in the title – the focus of the series appears to be on the dynamic between Holmes and his daughter rather than on Sherlock’s classic detective adventures. Similarly,whileYoung Sherlockis of course about Sherlock, it will feature a 19-year-old version of the character.Lastly, Sherlock is a supporting character in theEnola Holmesfranchise, whose third film doesn’t have a release date yet.
Why Upcoming Sherlock Projects Are Focusing On Different Characters & Settings
Sherlock Holmes welcomes different interpretations
Sherlock Holmes is one of the most popular characters of all time, having received dozens of screen adaptations over the years. From movies recreating some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories to series that reinvented the character for new generations like BBC’sSherlockand CBS’sElementary, there has been a lot of Sherlock Holmes in film and television. Although Sherlock is a major IP on itself, some of the biggest franchises based on the character have concluded not too long ago.Sherlockseason 5 has yet to happen;Elementaryended after 7 seasons, andSherlock Holmes 3’s statusis unclear.
Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock Series Makes Another Upcoming Sherlock Holmes Project Even More Exciting
Guy Ritchie’s upcoming Young Sherlock series is one of many Sherlock projects currently in development, and one of them just became more exciting.
After so many recent Sherlock projects,it makes sense for studios and networks to try different approaches when it comes to Conan Doyle adaptations.Sherlock is a very versatile character in the sense that he welcomes different interpretations, to the point it can be quite difficult to pick the best Sherlock Holmes actor. Likewise, Sherlock’s universe features characters that are iconic on their own and could sustain their own projects, including but not limited to John Watson. Interestingly,Sherlock Holmesentered full public domain in 2023, allowing for even more interpretations of the character to happen.
Watson
Cast
Watson follows Dr. John Watson a year after Sherlock Holmes' demise as he leads a clinic for rare disorders. Despite his return to medical practice, Watson is drawn back into the mysteries and challenges of his past, suggesting that his association with Holmes is far from over.
