Robert Downey Jr. Cast as Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes

Posted on Thursday, July 10th, 2008 by Peter Sciretta

Last week it was announced that Sacha Baron Cohen has been cast as Holmes, and Will Ferrell as Watson, in a comedic take on Sherlock Holmes for producer Judd Apatow. But many wondered what this would mean for Guy Ritchie’s serious take on the property, which was announced in June? Well it turns out that Ritchie’s movie is racing to go into production before the Apatow’s film. And with that, the actor to play Sherlock Holmes has been announced…

Robert Downey Jr.

That’s right, Variety confirms that Iron Man himself has committed to the project, which is set to begin production in October. Anthony Peckham’s script is based on a mixture of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic tales and the Lionel Wigram comic book adaptation. Ritchie turned in a polish of the latest draft.

Discuss: Who do you think will turn in a better performance as Sherlock Holmes: Robert Downey Jr or Sacha Baron Cohen?

Comments

M&Co

Any idea if these are going to be period pieces or modern day adaptations?

Christopher Edwards

Downey will bring more acting skills to this version and i think this will be a period piece.

Jon

I am personally hoping for a steampunk version!

M&Co

Jon that's an awesome idea.

Tom

Shit just got real

orange cinema

holy shit!

side note: peter, the /film format combined with the stories you get, make for some very fun & dramatic journalism, the site is better than ever.

Justin

I think it would be harder to pull of a really groundbreaking more serious version of Sherlock (like Ritchie's) than it would to create a comedic version.

But I'm looking forward to both.

evan

There's no losers here. Both actors can pull of Holmes in their respective genres.

simon

i'm with team ritchie

down with team apatow

Joe

Alright for Ritchie and Downey!

Although I did like the suggestion of someone a few weeks ago about having Hugh Laurie as Holmes. But Downey is an awesome choice.

Donivan

Steampunk, definitely!

TheMarquis

omg steampunk.
"how shall we beat him to the diamonds, Holmes?"
"elementary dear watson. we take the air-ship."
"right-o, then."

Robert Downey Jr. FTW

A Better Class of Criminal

One looks hillarious, the other exciting... How can I choose between Apatow and Downey Jr.
How I ask you!?

vadmspartan

For the Ritchie Holmes' they should get Hugh Laurie to be Watson. Although I don't know how he would feel having an American chosen for a historically British character.

Quenfis

Downey will be awesome.

Even thought this will start before th Apatow film...we all know that the Apatow films can be churned out much faster than a Ritchie film. So who knows which one would hit the box office first. As for Apatow's movie, I think Andy Richter would have been a better choice for Watson, and Ferrell as the bad guy.

jonny

I hope RDJ doesnt have to pull off an english accent.... It could be/will be a disaster.

Meli

I think both actors will bring something good to the Holmes
characters, but I'm looking forward to Ritchie's version with RDJ
more than the comedy angle.

mumu

Neither, I wish someone would cast Adrien Brody as Holmes!

Arch Stanton

This might have been good before Guy Ritchie turned in his version of the screenplay. The same Guy Ritchie who made Swept Away!

Bull

Guy Ritchie sucks so that ends this debate.

nick

I'm excited about both movies. DowneyJR will be great, as will Sacha Baren Cohen, but who is playing watson in Ritchie's film?

comicman94

i think robert would do great!!!!! but i mean come on he has to shave the beard we all come to know and love but i guess sacrifices need to be maid i think the real issue is will as watson i men him with a mustach and a pipe and some brown plad coat and hat just not right

gocitizen

This film has great potential. Welcome back, Guy.

ADP

I think both actors will be wonderful in their respective films, but Ritchie's version is probably the only one I'll be seeing, as I've never been able to bring myself to care much for Cohen. Downey's going to be fantastic.

B

I'm with the general consensus here of looking forward to both, but more to the one with RDJ. I can actually picture him, but I'm having a really hard time picturing SBC, or just comedy in general, associated with Sherlock Holmes.

Nic

I think Sacha Baron Cohen will surprise many with a stellar performance. I look forward to seeing him in the role.

Keeley Lawton

Downey will be brilliant!
I cannot wait to see his performance!
He is a brilliant actor :)

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Robert Downey Jr. Cast as Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes

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