When Robert Downey Jr. Wanted Johnny Depp in Sherlock Holmes 3—But Hollywood Said No

In the world of Hollywood, some ideas sound great on paper, but circumstances sometimes make them impossible to execute. Robert Downey Jr. had a heartwarming vision for Sherlock Holmes 3: he wanted his longtime friend Johnny Depp to join the sequel. However, despite Downey’s good intentions, a combination of timing, studio decisions, and Depp’s own legal battles made this unlikely collaboration a non-starter.

At the time, Depp was embroiled in a very public legal feud with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, which severely affected his career. The actor claimed that the controversy surrounding the case cost him a major payday, including his participation in Pirates of the Caribbean 6. As a longtime friend, Downey reportedly wanted to lend Depp a helping hand, suggesting that Depp join the Sherlock Holmes franchise and potentially revitalize his career. However, while it was a thoughtful gesture from Downey, it was also one that Hollywood, particularly Warner Bros., was not willing to entertain.

Warner Bros. and Depp’s Hollywood Struggles

The primary obstacle to Depp’s inclusion in Sherlock Holmes 3 was Warner Bros. itself. The studio, which controlled the Sherlock Holmes films, had already distanced itself from Depp due to the ongoing controversy surrounding his legal battles. This was most evident when Warner Bros. made the decision to drop Depp from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, effectively removing him from a major role in the film series. Given that history, it seemed highly unlikely that the studio would take a chance on Depp for another major franchise, particularly one as high-profile as Sherlock Holmes.

Moreover, Sherlock Holmes 3 itself was far from a guarantee at that time. The film had been in development for years, with numerous delays. Downey’s commitments to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) had already pushed the production of the sequel back in 2016, and the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the release in 2021. With no firm production schedule, cast updates, or concrete plans, the project remained in limbo for quite some time, making it even more difficult for Downey to advocate for Depp’s involvement.

Downey’s Influence and Hollywood Realities

Even if Sherlock Holmes 3 had moved forward with Downey Jr. at the helm, the actor’s ability to bring Depp into the fold was still limited. Despite his star power, Downey was neither the director nor the producer of the film. The final decisions on casting rested with Warner Bros. and the film’s producers, not Downey. While he could have made a compelling case for Depp’s inclusion, there was no guarantee that his influence would have been enough to sway the studio’s decision, especially when it came to a controversial figure like Depp.

Additionally, if Downey had pushed too hard for Depp’s casting, it risked creating tensions with Warner Bros. or, worse, leading the studio to shelve the entire film. In Hollywood, creative disagreements, particularly when it involves the studio’s financial interests, can result in the removal of key players from a project. Downey’s influence only stretched so far, and the reality was that the studio had the final word.

Johnny Depp’s Own Challenges

The timing of Depp’s potential involvement in Sherlock Holmes 3 was also problematic from a scheduling standpoint. While Depp had undoubtedly suffered significant career setbacks due to the legal battles with Heard, his financial troubles were also well-known. His past mismanagement of finances and extravagant lifestyle meant that, even if he had lost out on Pirates of the Caribbean 6, he couldn’t afford to be too selective about the projects he took on. After his trial ended, it’s likely that Depp had other roles lined up and couldn’t afford to commit to a project like Sherlock Holmes 3, especially given the long delays in the production of the film.

The End of the Dream

Ultimately, despite Robert Downey Jr.’s best efforts and his desire to support his friend, the dream of seeing Johnny Depp in Sherlock Holmes 3 was never realized. Between Warner Bros.’ decision to distance itself from Depp, the stalled production of the sequel, Downey’s limited influence over casting, and Depp’s own professional commitments, it was clear that the collaboration between these two Hollywood heavyweights was never going to happen.

For Downey, it was a vision that was never allowed to come to fruition. While Depp’s role in Sherlock Holmes 3 would have been a heartwarming reunion for fans of both actors, the complex realities of Hollywood decision-making, legal battles, and career struggles ultimately prevented it from becoming a reality. In the end, it was a well-intended idea that was caught in the crossfire of larger industry forces, leaving Depp’s moment in the Sherlock Holmes universe forever unrealized.