The Sherlock Holmes universe may be branching out to two new TV series

Sherlock Holmes may be making a comeback on your TV screens as two new scripts offering a glimpse into the brilliant detective's universe — based on the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle — are in the works.

The potential spinoff series have Robert Downey Jr, known for playing the detective in the 2009 Guy Ritchie feature film and its 2011 sequel, and Lionel Wigram, producer of both films, as executive producers. A third movie was in development but suffered delays due to the pandemic.

According to Deadline, each of the proposed TV series will focus on a different character set to be introduced in the third film that currently has no new release date. The future of the potential series depends on the fate of the third movie instalment. Lead actor Downey and director Dexter Fletcher, who succeeded the first two films' director Ritchie, have publicly expressed their commitment to making it.

Additional details about the two potential series' connectivity to the past adaptations and each other are being kept under wraps. Both projects are products of Warner Bros, just like the film productions.

Representatives for HBO Max and Warner Bros have declined to comment when reached out to by Deadline.

Downey’s Sherlock Holmes series would not be the first TV adaptation of Conan Doyle’s work — according to The Hollywood Reporter, Sherlock Holmes holds the world record for the most portrayed literary character in film and TV history with over 75 actors stepping into the role. Benedict Cumberbatch played the detective in four seasons of the drama Sherlock and the most recent Holmes was played by Johnny Lee Miller on CBS’ Elementary that ran for seven seasons.

Other than that, HBO Max has been launching spinoffs left and right to boost its platform — particularly branching out a new connected universe of DC Comics series. James Gunn has his Suicide Squad spinoff Peacemaker, Matt Reeves is launching a Batman offshoot and the Casey Bloys-led streamer is also developing multiple Game of Thrones series. Reboots of other well-known franchises include Sex and the City and Gossip Girl.