Though Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows has yet to hit theaters — it will do so on December 16 — Warner Bros. has wasted no time in setting their sights on a third installment. They’ve just tapped Drew Pearce, currently busy penning Shane Black‘s Iron Man 3, to give words to Robert Downey Jr. again and begin scripting Guy Ritchie‘s eventual third chapter. [Deadline]
Warner Bros. must really be banking on the success of the 2009 franchise-starter, which hauled in over $500 million worldwide. It’s somewhat odd that they would commit to the third installment this early when, in only two months’ time, they’d be able to better gauge the traction of the forthcoming installment and perhaps shed some light on what strategical route they should take for the third film. With the first film’s success and Robert Downey Jr.‘s star power, it’s hard to argue with the studio’s confidence, but it still, to me, seems like they’re jumping the gun unnecessarily.
Nevertheless, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows looks to be in good shape to make a killing during its opening weekend, as it has very little to compete with. But the film’s staying power should be interesting to track, because plenty of high-profile releases — The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol, The Adventures of Tintin, War Horse — will land in theaters soon after Sherlock bows on the 16th.
What do you think of the hiring of Pearce? Are you looking forward to the second installment?