'Sherlock Holmes 3' release date, plot: work has begun on new script; cameras rolling by end of the year

Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr. will reprise their roles in the upcoming "Sherlock Holmes 3" movie.facebook.com/SherlockHolmesMovie

The excitement over the third "Sherlock Holmes" film starring Robert Downey Jr. is starting to build-up after reports announced that "Puncture Wounds" writer James Coyne signed on to rewrite the script.

Deadline first broke the news about Coyne's involvement in the still-untitled "Sherlock Holmes 3" movie last month, saying that the screenwriter will once again work with film producer Lionel Wigram and Warner Bros. They initially worked together in 2015 when he wrote the script for "Treasure Island."

Early reports in 2011 claimed that the original script for "Sherlock Holmes 3" was supposed to be written by "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation" writer Drew Pearce, but he was later on replaced by "The Lone Ranger" writer Justin Haythe.

While the updates about the sequel to 2011's "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" became scarce over the years, Downey reignited the fans' interest in the film when he revealed during an exclusive interview with Shortlist that the cameras will begin to roll before 2016 ends.

The actor admitted that the delay for the third installment of the "Sherlock Holmes" movies was caused by the hectic schedule of everyone involved.

"If we could shoot it on Skype, we could have the whole [movie] done in a week," the actor admitted. "When we're making those Sherlock movies it is off the hook. [So] 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 so excited about it."

He also revealed that he will meet up with film director Guy Ritchie to talk about the movie in his next visit to London.

Aside from Downey, who will reprise his role as the titular character in the upcoming film, his co-star Jude Law is also set to return to the franchise to portray the role of Sherlock's trusted friend, Dr. John Watson.

However, the film's release date is yet to be announced.