Dexter Fletcher to Direct ‘Sherlock Holmes 3’ at Warner Bros

Dexter Fletcher, who most recently directed “Rocketman,” is attached to direct “Sherlock Holmes 3” at Warner Bros., with Robert Downey Jr. returning to star, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.

Fletcher takes over for Guy Ritchie, who directed the previous two “Sherlock Holmes” films that starred Downey Jr. and Jude Law, who is also expected to return. Ritchie made the classic detective story a steampunk, action-heavy, quick-witted joy ride, and the films from 2009 and 2011 made well over a $1 billion at the global box office combined.

The third “Sherlock Holmes” film is expected to hit theaters on Dec. 21, 2021 after initially announced to open on Christmas 2020. The gap between films will be 10 years, which was in part due to the scheduling troubles with Downey Jr.’s “Iron Man” and “Avengers” films.

Also Read: Henry Cavill Tapped to Play Sherlock Holmes in 'Enola Holmes'

Chris Brancato is writing the screenplay based on the iconic characters by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Susan Downey, Joel Silver and Lionel Wigram are producing.

Fletcher’s “Rocketman,” based on the life of Elton John, has made $175.2 million at the global box office since opening in late May. He also took over the Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” after Bryan Singer was fired from the box office smash. Fletcher is also the director of “Eddie the Eagle” and is a BAFTA nominee for his work on his debut film “Wild Bill.”

The news of Fletcher’s involvement was first reported by Variety.

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