“Sherlock Holmes”, the new Hollywood action thriller starring Robert Downey Jnr. as legendary Victorian detective, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, already has a sequel in development – even before the first film hits cinemas.
In what is becoming an increasingly common scenario in Hollywood, Warner Bros is prepping for further installments of what it hopes will be a new money-spinning franchise even before it has the chance to become a proven success. Downey Jnr., Jude Law (who plays Holmes’ ever faithful friend, Dr John Watson) and Rachel McAdams are all expected to return for the sequel, as may director Guy Ritchie.
Early reports suggest the main adversary in the sequel will be Holmes’ famous nemesis, Professor Moriarty, with Brad Pitt apparently in the front running for the role. Ritchie has already suggested that the character of Moriarty “makes some kind of appearance” in the first film, though insiders say speculation that Pitt will cameo in the picture are erroneous and that Moriarty only appears in shadow, with the actor unidentifiable.
The script for the sequel is already being written by Kieran and Michele Mulroney, who are also penning “Justice League: Mortal” for the studio. The first film had various contributors to its script, including Simon Kinberg, Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Lionel Wigram.
Footage from the film, expected for a holiday release, was screened at the recent Comic Con, to general approval and enthusiasm, although it has already met with criticism from Holmes purists at the already obvious reinvention of the iconic character as a caddish and action-orientated Hollywood hero.
