Warner Bros. may have hired a writer for a third SHERLOCK HOLMES movie before 2011's A GAME OF SHADOWS was even released, but there really hasn't been that much movement on the film's development. Every now and then we'll get an update on the project, and the latest one comes from Robert Downey Jr. While speaking with Shortlist magazine, Downey said he's recently been in contact with director Guy Ritchie, and that they might try to start filming for the threequel sometime later this year.
I know Guy Ritchie loves me as much as I love him – and he damn well should. When we’re making those Sherlock movies it is off the hook. We’ll attempt to make one this year. It really is a big deal to go and do those movies. I’m tired all the time, but I’m excited about it.
Downey also said they could do "some preliminary stuff" right now, and that they could have the movie done in a week it they could "shoot it on Skype."
Ritchie is currently filming for KNIGHTS OF THE ROUNDTABLE: KING ARTHUR, and although it is the first installment of a planned six film series, at the moment he doesn't have any other future directorial projects officially lined up, so I suppose it's possible that the third film could head into production by the end of the year. Not saying it definitely will happen, but perhaps we'll be hearing a bit more about the movie in the coming months since it seems like Downey really wants do another Sherlock flick.