GUY RITCHIE - GUY RITCHIE DENIES RUSSELL CROWE TO PLAY DR WATSON

GUY RITCHIE DENIES RUSSELL CROWE TO PLAY DR WATSON

Guy Ritchie has brushed off rumours that Russell Crowe has been lined up to play Dr Watson in his new Sherlock Holmes adaptation.

One of two forthcoming films based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic creation, Ritchie's action-packed take is due to begin filming next month.

And while Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr is signed up to play the most famous resident of Baker Street, Ritchie denied that he had already earmarked the detective's sidekick.

"I don't have a Watson," he told Empire at the premiere of his new film RocknRolla.

"Somebody just told me that I have Russell Crowe lined up but that's news to me. I suspect that hasn't happened and I'm still looking for my Watson."

While Downey Jr promised earlier this week that his approach to the character was going to focus on his "bad-ass" elements, Ritchie stressed that the traditional aspects of Holmes will remain, especially in terms of location.

"We've got what I'd like to think are some of the best locations in London and with this film I get to show a whole new side to London," he explained.

"I've done contemporary and now I won't be doing that, obviously."

Also in the works is a comedy film concerning the detective, with Sacha Baron Cohen to play Holmes and Will Ferrell signed to star as Dr Watson.