Sherlock Holmes Sequel Nixed For Gay Subtext?
Mon, January 4, 2010 
During a recent interview to promote Sherlock Holmes (prior to its release), Robert Downey Jr. played up the possibility of a "more than just bromance" relationship between him and Jude Law’s Watson. Everyone had their laughs and moved on. Having seen the flick, I didn’t see that angle. The movie plays them up more as brothers more than anything else. Of course, there’s no denying the subtext isn’t there. But that’s why we all love film – it’s subjective. You say tomato, I say tomahto.
Andrea Plunket (who holds the US rights to the character) isn’t fond of having our heroes using their detective skills on one another’s anatomy. Speaking to Total Film, she said, "I hope this is just an example of Mr Downey’s black sense of humour. It would be drastic, but I would withdraw permission for more films to be made if they feel that is a theme they wish to bring out in the future."
Uh, considering the shit they’ve allowed to have happen to the character over the years (Seven Per-Cent Solution, anyone?), I’m not holding my breath expecting much to amount from this. If there’s anything we’ve all learned about the entertainment industry, it’s that money talks. The film is doing too well at the moment (currently at $140 million and is expected to hit $200 million) for such a retarded reasoning to block its inevitable sequel.
For me, the great concern is the participation of Guy Ritchie. Last we all heard, he was lined up to helm Lobo for Warner Brother and producer Joel Silver (presumably after seeing a cut of Holmes in its early rough-cut stage). With the reportedly impending unveiling of WB’s DC plans, Lobo might be a part of those plans. That would make his directorial involvement in the Holmes sequel questionable – especially dependant on when the studio plans to release it. My own personal guess would be Christmas 2011 - with or without Guy Ritchie calling the shots again.
Reader Comments (1)
C'mon...You did not see a homosexual subtext?? The gay plot is not so "sub." It's just short of butch....This is a vey gay movie. Beards and all.