Contrary to the circulating rumor, the 'Inglourious Basterds' leading man won't be seen portraying Sherlock Holmes' archfoe, Moriarty, in the Guy Ritchie-directed action drama.
- August 18, 2009
AceShowbiz -
There will be no Brad Pitt in "Sherlock Holmes". Warner Bros. Pictures has squashed the recent flying rumor suggesting that the star of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" has been recruited to play Holmes' arch nemesis, Moriarty, in Guy Ritchie's new take on the legendary detective and his crime-solving story.
"The report in today's London Mirror is completely inaccurate. Brad Pitt is not joining the cast of Sherlock Holmes and we're extremely pleased with the production of the film," a studio-sanctioned statement, released Monday, August 17, read. "As planned, it will be released on Christmas Day, 2009."
Warners further explained about the shooting of some additional scenes for the film. "In order to complete the movie, we've scheduled a few days on set to shoot a couple of additional scenes, obtain pick-up shots, and perfect some of the visual effects elements, all of which is standard filmmaking practice," so the studio claimed in the statement.
Earlier on the day, The Mirror had come up with a story that Pitt has come aboard the film as Moriarty at the behest of Ritchie, who has worked together with Pitt in 2000 gangster film "Snatch". "It's a huge coup to have Brad joining the cast. He has worked for Guy before and said if he could, he would do anything to help out," the paper quoted a source of the 45-year-old's involvement.
Mirror, in addition, claimed that the Lt. Aldo Raine of forthcoming "Inglourious Basterds" is headed to London for 10 frantic days of filming, which was said due to start this week in London and on location at Cliveden House. The paper also stated that the addition of Pitt would push the release of the film from December 2009 to June 2010.
Based on Lionel Wigram's upcoming comic book, "Sherlock Holmes" will present a new portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous characters. This first major big-screen version of "Sherlock Holmes" in more than 20 years will see Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson on their latest challenge. Having lethal fighting skills in addition to his legendary intellect, Holmes attempts to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.
This action thriller film will see Robert Downey Jr. as the titular character, Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, and Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, Holmes' love interest, in addition to Mark Strong who is set to play Lord Blackwood. Originally expected to make its debut in U.S. theaters on November 20, it is now due for December 25 release.
