Summary
ThoughGuy Ritchie’supcomingYoungSherlockshow could be amazing, the nature of the prequel means that it could easily fall into a disappointing trap. Since the late 1990s, British directorGuy Ritchie has helmed iconic crime movies, includingLock, Stock, and Two Smoking BarrelsandSnatch.However, in 2009, Ritchie tried his hand at franchises by directing twoSherlock Holmesmovies starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Now, 15 years later, it seems that Ritchie is ready to return to the world of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s incredible detective.
Guy Ritchie is currently developinga show with Amazon Prime Video calledYoung Sherlock.The series is based on books written by Andy Lane, which follow the iconic detective as a 19-year-old at Oxford. Unlike other adaptations which portray Holmes as clean-cut, logical, and quick on his feet,this prequel series will see Holmes in a more immature state.Young Sherlock’scast currently includes Hero Fiennes, Zine Tseng, Joseph Fiennes, and Colin Firth. So far, the project seems to be an exciting endeavor, but one plot choice could ruin the entire series.
Could Robert Downey Jr. Appear In Guy Ritchie’s New Sherlock Holmes Series?
Guy Ritchie has another Sherlock Holmes adaptation on the way, this time in the form of the prequel, Young Sherlock - but what about his old star?
Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock Holmes Should Avoid Bringing In Famous Characters
Prequels Offer A Chance For A New Story
One mistake that Guy Ritchie could easily make withYoung Sherlockis including other famous Sir Arthur Conan Doyle characters. Althoughaudiences enjoy figures like Watson,it wouldn’t make sense for Sherlock to know him as a teenager. Not only would it mess with the source material’s canon, but it would also makeYoung Sherlockno different from any otherSherlock Holmesretelling. When prequels include young versions of many franchise characters, likeGothamorSmallville,it always feels reductive to the main character’s origin story.
Though adding characters like Watson may seem natural or like a beneficial piece of fan service, it is actually only going to drag the series down.
In reality, a prequel series is a chance to do something entirely different with a beloved franchise. Audiences may loveSherlock Holmes,but they have seen all the classic stories time and time again.It is time to get a peek at Sherlock’s younger yearsand learn things about the character that viewers have never known before. Though adding characters like Watson may seem natural or like a beneficial piece of fan service, it is actually only going to drag the series down.
How Young Sherlock Can Make Characters Like Moriarty & Watson Work In A Prequel
Young Sherlock Could Still Utilize Popular Characters Or Have Equivelent Versions Of Them
ThoughJames Moriarty has already been confirmed as a character inYoung Sherlock,the character of Watson hasn’t yet been announced. In Moriarty’s case, the show could establish a young rivalry between Holmes and Moriarty, making him more of an nuisance for Holmes rather than an all-out antagonist. In Watson’s case, the series could re-tell the story of Holmes and Watson, having them meet and become friends at a young age, or Guy Ritchie could simply write a new character that provides the same character value as Watson.
Guy Ritchie’sYoung Sherlockbrings into question whetherSherlock Holmes 3will ever happen.
Young Sherlockcan provide Holmes with a new sidekickand another quirky villain. If anything, these new additions will make the show feel more fresh and exciting. IfYoung Sherlockis supposed to be different from the main franchise, then it should lean into its differences.
Young Sherlock
Cast
Young Sherlock is a series that chronicles the early life of Sherlock Holmes, with Jude Law portraying the famed detective in his formative years. Set in 19th century London, the show delves into Holmes’s budding investigative skills and delves into his complex relationships with family and friends. The series explores how his early experiences shaped the detective he would ultimately become.
