Sherlock Holmes: Guy Ritchie, Cast Celebrate Start of Production

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 1, 2008

Guy Ritchie and the Cast of Sherlock Holmes

Pictured above (from left): Guy Ritchie, Kelly Reilly, Robert Downey Jr., Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong at the Sherlock Holmes press conference.

Guy Ritchie and members of the cast of his upcoming film Sherlock Holmes were on hand in London today for a press conference to confirm casting and mark the start of principal photography on the film, which is set for release in 2010. On hand were Robert Downey Jr., who is playing Sherlock Holmes, Rachel McAdams, who is playing Irene Adler, Mark Strong, who is set to play Blackwood and Kelly Reilly, who was announced as Mary Morstan, the love interest of Dr. Watson.

The folks at Empire were at the press conference, and here is some key information that was revealed:

The casting of Jude Law as Dr. Watson was confirmed. It was also said that Watson will be “no bumbler,” Downey Jr. emphasizing his background as a military surgeon and war veteran.
Kelly Reilly was announced as being cast as Mary, Watson’s love interest that ultimately causes tension with Holmes, who resents her competition for Watson’s affections.
Mark Strong’s character Blackwood was described as “a mysterious new adversary,” who along with Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), will be the primary “bad guys” in the film.
The cast was mum about the possibility of another, much more menacing villain — and perhaps the appearance of Professor Moriarty — but Robert Downey Jr. did crack a smile when asked about it.
Producer Joel Silver confirmed that the film will be targeting a PG-13 rating.
The entire cast emphasized the fact that this will be a sexier, more action-packed Holmes, but also made reference to the fact that his bare-knuckle boxing and martial arts skills are deeply rooted in the writing of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

So there you have it, the production of Sherlock Holmes is well under way and it appears that we have a few more details about the story. As well, it is also easy to see that the production could exist under a shroud of secrecy — something that often ignites the pages of the internet. Secrecy or not, this is one production that should have no problem holding our attention.

Are you excited about Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes?

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Meepo

I'm not too excited about the director, but the cast looks amazing, I can't wait too see how the film will turn out to be! Robert Downey Jr. was the best actor they could have gotten for Holmes, and Rachel is an interesting choice as well.

Meepo

I'm indifferent about Guy as the director, but I'm super excited to see the finished product! They can do no wrong with Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes, he's amazing, and he looks perfect for the part.

Rachel is also a very interesting choice for Irene.

Troy

Meepo, you are an idiot. RDJ looks nothing like sherlock holmes.

Norma

Yes, Meepo, Troy is a close friend of Mr. Holmes; he speaks from experience.

(In other words: Troy, my dear, Holmes is a fictional character. I seem to recall a certain variety in the physical features of the actors who have portrayed him throughout the years, from Rathbone and Cushing to Brett and Everett-- and even Michael Caine. Mr. Downey's intelligence, sharp focus, and energy will serve him well in this role.)

Galen

Ask a random sampling of people to draw a cartoon of Sherlock Holmes, and all the cartoons will look about the same, and none of them will look like Robert Downey. Also, he's the shortest man in the photo. And then there's the hair. And the eyes. And the accent. And I would say his performances aren't so sharply focused as, so to speak, pulling focus. But, anyway.

Hi

As much as I love RDJ, he's not right for the role of the Great Detective. Just my opnion!

The girl playing Irene is gorgeous---I wish I looked like her! Perfect cast choosing right there.

They'd better do a half-decent job on this thing, or I will tear my hair out! The last thing we need is Holmes, Watson, & Co. put to shame >:P

Dame

I am so glad Mark Strong is going to be the baddie. He is BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Littleone

I don't think the girl is so pretty, although I think that it's awsome getting Iron Man to fight Moriarty who I at least hope is in the movie. Of all the people to pick I think he will do fine.

..hey now we know how Iron Man got so rich. He was solving alot of mysterys for kings and got rich from that!! It's all so clear now. (I'm just kidding. I'm a fan of Sherlock because his methods do make since and a fan of Iron Man because they didn't act stuped making the movie.)

I hope this movie does great and they do another real movie and don't make fun of Sherlock (if you realy could find a way to make fun of Sherlock Holmes of all people). Sherlock fan,
Little

Sherlock Holmes: Guy Ritchie, Cast Celebrate Start of Production

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