The most recent Guy Ritchie-directed Sherlock Holmes movie released in December which starred Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, has outdone its predecessor at the global box office, Warner Bros. said Thursday.

A third film is already in the works, according to reports.

The 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' has hit the $529 million mark in total gross box office earnings. The film earned $186.7 million domestically and $342.3 million internationally.

The 2009 movie "Sherlock Holmes" earned $524.4 million.

The movie did well throughout the holidays and well into 2012, said Dan Fellman, chief of domestic distribution.

It was also a "tremendous success overseas," said international distribution chief Veronika Kwan-Rubinek.

Warner Bros. worldwide marketing chief Sue Kroll congratulated the filmmakers and cast "who were truly our partners" in bringing the movie to audiences.

Tags: Guy Ritchie