The 2009 "Sherlock Holmes" movie, directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Robert Downey Jr. as the titular hero and Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, was a success and the 2011 sequel managed to earn over $545 million worldwide. A third film is now in development with a script being reworked and its production set to begin within the year.

According to a report from Deadline, screen writer James Coyne has been tapped to rewrite the script for the third "Sherlock Holmes" movie. Coyne is notable for writing the script for the upcoming "Treasure Island" movie and "Vikingdom." 

The original script was penned by Drew Pearce as early as 2011, when the second film, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," was originally released in theaters. Production for the third film was delayed due to the scheduling conflicts of director Guy Ritchie and, particularly, Robert Downey Jr., who was filming several Marvel Studios films.

According to a report from Shortlist, it now appears that Downey is more available, given that he has few appearances left in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. According to the actor, production for "Sherlock Holmes 3" will begin sometime this year, although he did not state a specific date.

"We're talking about it right now. We can do some preliminary stuff," the actor explained. "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."

The film will see Downey's Sherlock Holmes reunite with his friend Watson following the events of the second film where it was believed that Sherlock died in his fight against his nemesis, Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris). At the end of the film it was revealed Sherlock was alive but only left a clue for Watson to figure this fact out.