‘Sherlock Holmes’ Sequel Already Afoot

It’s not quite time for Robert Downey, Jr. to put away the pipe, violin, and magnifying glass just yet.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, plans are already being put in place at Warner Brothers for a sequel to ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ which is still three months away from seeing release.  The studio has brought on Kieran and Michele Mulroney (‘Paper Man’ and ‘Justice League: Mortal’) to pen a screenplay for the follow-up.

But Warner is not stopping with the screenplay being worked on.  Brad Pitt has already had discussions with producers to step into the role of Moriarty, Holmes’ arch nemesis throughout the series of books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.  There has been rumors that Pitt appears in the upcoming film as Moriarty, but, those who have read the screenplay, claim the character only appears in shadows and remains unrecognizable.  This new bit of news, and the possibility of Pitt stepping in, could have WB and Ritchie racing to add a shot or two of Pitt as the villain before the film’s release at Christmas.

Much of the cast, Downey as Holmes, Jude Law as Dr. Watson, and Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, is expected to return.  So, too, is director Guy Ritchie, who is also making plans to take on the ‘Lobo’ film for WB.

‘Sherlock Holmes’ is set to release on December 25th, 2009.