After bringing his unique style to the world of Sherlock Holmes in his blockbuster films starring Robert Downey Jr., Guy Ritchie is returning to the iconic detective genre, but this time with a fresh approach. His new project, Young Sherlock, takes viewers back to the early days of the legendary detective, showcasing his first-ever murder case and his transformation from a raw, disgraced young man into the master detective we know and love. The series will air on Prime Video in 2026, and its first look has already caught the attention of fans worldwide.
For those expecting Robert Downey Jr. to reprise his role as Sherlock Holmes, this new iteration will be a departure from the previous films. Instead, Young Sherlock introduces Hero Fiennes Tiffin, a rising star known for his role in the After series, as the titular character. This reimagining is set in 1870s Oxford and follows Sherlock as he embarks on a globe-trotting conspiracy that will change his life forever.
In this article, we’ll explore everything we know about the Young Sherlock series, from its star-studded cast to the intriguing premise, and what it means for the future of the Sherlock Holmes franchise.
Overview of Young Sherlock
The highly anticipated Young Sherlock series promises to bring all the wit and charm that fans loved in Guy Ritchie’s previous Sherlock Holmes films, but with a fresh perspective. While Downey’s portrayal of the iconic detective brought an action-packed, somewhat playful tone, this series is expected to delve into Sherlock’s formative years and the murder case that will shape his future as the world’s most famous detective.
Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect from the new series:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | 2026 (exact date to be announced) |
| Platform | Prime Video |
| Starring | Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Sherlock Holmes, Dónal Finn as James Moriarty, Joseph Fiennes as Silas Holmes, Max Irons as Mycroft Holmes, Colin Firth as Sir Bucephalus Hodge |
| Setting | 1870s Oxford and various international locations as Sherlock embarks on a globe-trotting conspiracy |
| Tone | “Wit and charm” of Ritchie’s previous Sherlock Holmes films with a focus on an anarchic, unfiltered young Sherlock and his first major case |
| Plot | The series follows Sherlock’s first-ever murder case, which uncovers a globe-trotting conspiracy that will change his life forever. |
The logline for the show promises an intense, fast-paced narrative that will offer a fresh take on Sherlock’s origins. Fans can expect a thrilling journey that exposes the early, rebellious side of Sherlock Holmes before he becomes the iconic detective of popular lore.

First Look at Young Sherlock
Prime Video has officially unveiled the first look at Young Sherlock, giving fans their first glimpse of the new direction this series will take. The image reveals Hero Fiennes Tiffin in character as the young, unruly detective, setting the stage for the character’s raw and unrefined personality.
The series promises to be a thrilling and adventurous ride, one that will reveal the early days of Sherlock Holmes, and more importantly, how his first murder case transforms him. This will not be the polished and refined Sherlock we are used to seeing; rather, it will showcase a more impulsive and vulnerable version of the character, still far from his final evolution into the iconic detective of popular lore.
The Cast and Their Roles
Young Sherlock brings together a talented cast of actors, each bringing their own unique twist to the classic characters from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved series. Hero Fiennes Tiffin, known for his role in the After film series, will play the titular role of Sherlock Holmes. The series also features an impressive supporting cast:
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hero Fiennes Tiffin | Sherlock Holmes | The young, raw, and unrefined Sherlock Holmes, embarking on his first-ever murder case that changes his life forever. |
| Dónal Finn | James Moriarty | Sherlock’s infamous rival, who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding conspiracy. |
| Joseph Fiennes | Silas Holmes | Sherlock’s father, adding complexity to his backstory and early years. |
| Natascha McElhone | Cordelia Holmes | Sherlock’s mother, whose character will help shape his early motivations. |
| Max Irons | Mycroft Holmes | Sherlock’s older brother, a key figure in his life and family dynamics. |
| Colin Firth | Sir Bucephalus Hodge | An enigmatic and powerful figure in the story, who interacts with Sherlock during his early investigations. |
This star-studded ensemble cast promises to deliver dynamic performances that will help bring the reimagined world of Sherlock Holmes to life. The character of Sherlock, portrayed by Tiffin, will be far from the composed detective we are used to, instead presenting a raw, unfiltered version of the character with a new, youthful energy.
A Fresh Take on Sherlock’s Origins
Young Sherlock is a unique reimagining of the classic Sherlock Holmes story. Rather than simply following the well-known detective solving complex mysteries, the series will focus on Sherlock’s early years, beginning with his first murder case. Set in the 1870s, the show will take viewers to Oxford, where Sherlock’s story begins before expanding to other parts of the world as his first case unravels into a global conspiracy.
This fresh take aims to explore the origins of Sherlock Holmes, examining how the young detective evolves from a disgraced and unpolished young man into the brilliant detective we all know. The series will highlight his journey, including his first true exposure to crime, mystery, and danger.
As Guy Ritchie has said, Young Sherlock will carry all the wit and charm of his previous Sherlock Holmes films, but will introduce a deeper, more emotional side to Sherlock’s development. The goal is to explore the early, anarchic days of the iconic detective, providing a compelling origin story for modern audiences.
In an official quote from Guy Ritchie, he expressed,
“This is a fresh take on a character who is iconic for his wit, intelligence, and ability to solve the unsolvable. Young Sherlock will show how he evolves from an impulsive, raw young man into the brilliant detective that we know and love.”
Why Young Sherlock Matters for the Sherlock Holmes Franchise?
Sherlock Holmes has always been one of the most beloved and enduring characters in literature. The character has seen numerous adaptations over the years, from films and TV shows to stage productions. However, Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock offers something different, a chance to see the early, formative years of the character in a way that hasn’t been explored before.
While fans have longed for updates on a potential Sherlock Holmes 3 with Robert Downey Jr., Ritchie’s decision to focus on a younger version of the character brings a refreshing change to the franchise. This new direction will allow both new and old fans of the Sherlock Holmes world to experience a new, compelling chapter in the detective’s life.
As Ritchie further noted,
“By exploring Sherlock’s early life, we’re diving into a deeper, more personal side of the character that hasn’t been explored before. It’s exciting to reimagine him in this way, showing his evolution from a flawed young man to a legend.”
With an intriguing premise, a talented cast, and Guy Ritchie’s signature style, Young Sherlock promises to be an exciting new addition to the Sherlock Holmes universe. The series also represents a new opportunity to explore the complexities of the detective’s early life, which will undoubtedly appeal to fans looking for fresh stories within the Sherlock legacy.
FAQs
Young Sherlock is set to premiere on Prime Video in 2026. The exact release date is yet to be confirmed.
Hero Fiennes Tiffin, known for his role in the After movie series, will play the young Sherlock Holmes.
The series follows the young Sherlock Holmes as he embarks on his first-ever murder case, uncovering a global conspiracy that changes his life forever. Set in the 1870s, it explores Sherlock’s early days before he becomes the iconic detective.
While Young Sherlock carries the same wit and charm as Guy Ritchie’s previous Sherlock Holmes films, it is a completely new take, focusing on Sherlock’s formative years.
In addition to Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Sherlock, the series features Dónal Finn as Moriarty, Joseph Fiennes as Silas Holmes, Colin Firth as Sir Bucephalus Hodge, and more.