AceShowbiz -

Jude Law might possibly be Guy Ritchie's Dr. Watson. Recently, EW's Hollywood Insider reported that the 35-year-old is in talks to star as Sherlock Holmes' trusted friend in the new version of "Sherlock Holmes". To put more stress on it, several other publications indicated that he is close to sign the deal.

Though it is still unclear whether the actor will in the end take the part, the casting news has put off the speculation on Russell Crowe lining up for the role. Previously, Ritchie who serves to be the project's director has denied the Crowe rumor saying, "I don't have a Watson...and I'm still looking for my Watson."

On other casting rumor, Hollywood Insider also mentioned that "RocknRolla" actor Mark Strong is most likely set to play the baddie. Still, whether his villainous character is the same with the one Crowe has also been linked to, Professor Moriarty, has yet to be unraveled. A criminal mastermind, Moriarty himself has been described by the books as the "Napoleon of Crime".

Based on Lionel Wigram's upcoming comic book, "Holmes" will follow the adventures of the witty 19th Century detective and will see this legendary character more as an action hero. Scheduled to start its production in October 2008 for 2010 release, it has Robert Downey Jr. as the titular character. Additionally, the Warner Bros. Pictures film will be produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Dan Lin and Susan Downey.