Jude Law in Talks to Become Sherlock's Watson

Guy Ritchie's upcoming reinvention of Sherlock Holmes will really be an overhaul. Remember that Fox reality show The Swan? It'll be a lot like that. For starters, Holmes will be kicking a lot more ass than we're used to; he could always handle himself in a fight, but it's the intellectual prowess that set him apart. Secondly, Holmes will be played by Robert Downey Jr. Great actor, enjoying a big tidal wave of support at the moment, but I'm not sure the best option. Ditto Guy Ritchie pulling the strings. And then there's the case of Dr. Watson, which has been anything but elementary. The casting rumors so far have involved Russell Crowe, Gerard Butler, and now Jude Law. Entertainment Weekly "has learned" that Law is in negotiations to play Watson. "With Downey and Law as British detectives, crime never looked this good," slings EW, eschewing the point of a Sherlock Holmes story altogether. Perhaps Law would like to borrow some of Downey's mojo; seven or eight years ago, you could claim that movies got better as soon as Jude Law showed up on screen. That hasn't been the case in quite a while, and very few actors have had longer droughts than he has. Combine that with a less-than-rosy perceived image, and he's definitely a reclamation project. Appearing as one of three replacements for Heath Ledger in Terry Gilliam's The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus will help, as would this role. He's just not right for it. Like Crowe, like Butler. Why are they running down the list of Sexiest Man Alive finalists for this part? I just don't get it.

Comments

[Ben]

Actually, i think this might be the coolest and most refreshing take on an iconic story in years. Let's face it, there were million versions of Sherlock Holmes. If you're not going to come up with something new, don't do it at all. I'm not a big Law fan, but he's a decent actor and maybe he'll nail it. As for RDJ, he can be anyone and do anything. SH is no different. No one thought that RDJ can really be Iron Man, right?

[Get The Big Picture]

Who didn't think Downey could be Iron Man? He's the best choice for that role. I appreciate doing something new, but I wonder about its relevance if it's throwing out the window things that make the original so great.

[J]

I hope it's as good as Alfie.

Jude Law owes me ten bucks!

[Get The Big Picture]

It could only be as good as Alfie. The beginning of the end for that guy.