You can't discuss the great detective stories of our time without mentioning Sherlock Holmes and his partner Watson -- who've been entertaining us with their wild adventures since first appearing in publication back in 1897. Times have changed, though, and gone are the stuffy, boring, made-for-TV incarnations that have kept folks across the pond busy for a few decades. Instead, Warner Bros. has gone back to some of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's earlier novels and brought on director Guy Ritchie and stars Robert Downey Jr. (Holmes) and Jude Law (Watson) to reboot the iconic characters and, at the same time, possibly ignite a whole new franchise.
Don't confuse this for an origin story, as Downey Jr. notes: "You join [Holmes and Watson] as a couple who have known each other eight or so years. They've roomed together, they've journeyed on many cases together, but it's only now that you realize that ... there's also a problem [with their relationship] ..."
One aspect of the Holmes/Watson mythology that audiences aren't used to seeing (but was a major part of those early books) is some good old-fashioned fighting. Producer Joel Silver promises a Sherlock Holmes who's "far more action-oriented," with Watson acting as a "tough guy, a bruiser ... which we haven't really seen before." But which shouldn't be a surprise, considering Ritchie's penchant for rough-and-tumble heist flicks.With all that action, will there be any time to serve up some of that dry Sherlock Holmes humor? Silver says definitely: "It's funny, it's fun, and it's got some magic and mystery. It's not an R-rated film, so it's not going to be that dark. But it has a darkness to it that will be evened out by lightness. It's a fun adventure."
Stay tuned -- we'll have much more from the set of 'Sherlock Holmes' as we inch closer to its Dec. 25 release.
--Reporting by Erik Davis
Robert Downey Jr. Photos
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Actor Robert Downey, Jr. (2L) and producer Jeffrey Katzenberg (2R) attend the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center February 26, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actor Robert Downey Jr. and producer Susan Downey arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actor Robert Downey, Jr. (L) and wife Susan Downey arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre on February 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actor Robert Downey Jr. and wife producer Susan Downey arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre on February 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actor Robert Downey Jr. (R) and his wife Susan Downey arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre February 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actress Marisa Tomei (R) and actor Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards at the Kodak Theatre February 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actor Robert Downey Jr. and wife Susan Downey arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre on February 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actor Robert Downey Jr. and wife Susan Downey arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre on February 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actor Robert Downey Jr. (R) and wife producer Susan Downey arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre on February 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actor Robert Downey Jr. and wife Susan Downey arrive at the 81st Annual Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre on February 22, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Reader Comments (3)
Orlando at 7:20PM on Mar 5th 2009
I think Robert Downey, Jr is a very talented actor - as is also Jude Law. But once you've watched Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes and Edward Hardwicke (Dr. Watson) in the British "Granada Media" serials, well, Jeremy Brett IS Sherlock Holmes. I have the entire Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett) serials on DVD and watch the episodes whenever the fancy strikes - which is to say, "regularly." Brett and Hardwicke are a "magic" team; much like the Everly Brothers and Bee Gees harmonies: "magic!" Just the same - my curiosity will not be able to withstand the temptation to watch Downey Jr. and Law in the upcoming Sherlock Holmes movie; they're excellent actors. I just don't believe they'll come close to making me put my Jeremy Brett (Sherlock Holmes) DVDs on the shelf.
Debbie at 8:29PM on Mar 5th 2009
I agree with Orlando 100%. Jeremy Brett, especially, was THE Sherlock Holmes. The Brett/Hardwicke series was also extremely true to the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories and novellas. I enjoy watching the old Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce movies but they were completely new stories for the most part, set in a much more modern setting. I hope the new Holmes film will be good, as I enjoy Robert Downey, Jr. as an actor. Time will tell, as it always does, whether it will be a hit or a miss.
fourklines at 6:44AM on Mar 29th 2009
Debbie and Orlando.... Are we talking about television versions of Sherlock Holmes....or all versions from any media?
Jeremy Brett was a most excellent Sherlock Holmes....and I must also say, grudgingly, that Charlton Heston was also very fine in the role....but there is ONLY one portrayer of Sherlock who stands out among all who have taken the role....and that is Basil Rathbone. He was, is and will always be the gold standard against whom all Sherlocks are judged....and the inevitable conclusion will be that no other measures up to Basil. I expect Robert Downey Jr. to do a wonderful job in the role...he has what it takes....but the competition in this case is only for second place.