Not too long ago we told you about plans to update Sherlock Holmes for the 21st Century with a film that would possibly be directed by Guy Ritchie. Well, now we hear from Variety that there is another Sherlock Holmes movie in the works and this one is the complete polar opposite of Ritchie’s proposed film.
Columbia Pictures has set up the second, still untitled, Sherlock Holmes film that will star Sacha Baron Cohen as detective Sherlock Holmes and Will Ferrell as Watson, his crime-solving partner. We can only assume that the film will actually be at least partially based on the writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who originated the characters.
Etan Cohen (Tropic Thunder) is writing the script and Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller will produce.
“Just the idea of Sacha and Will as Sherlock Holmes and Watson makes us laugh,” said Columbia co-president Matt Tolmach. “Sacha and Will are two of the funniest and most talented guys on the planet, and having them take on these two iconic characters is frankly hilarious.”
This film will be a reteaming of Cohen and Ferrell who both appeared as rival racecar drivers in Columbia’s 2006 hit comedy Talladega Nights, which Apatow and Miller also produced.
While I can certainly see the comedic possibilities for this film, I think I’m more excited about Ritchie’s version. I actually think this movie would have been another great opportunity to reteam Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly with Ferrell playing Holmes and Reilly playing Watson. It’s too early to say whether or not the two films will be going head to head, but since this is Hollywood, I’d say it’s likely.
I think Will Ferrel and Samuel L Jackson should make a movie togther about two guys who star in every moive and no other actors are needed….
While I think the Guy Ritchie reboot sounds good, this one certainly has it's appeal. Cohen and Ferrell together again should be great.
I don't see Will Ferrell as Watson whatsoever. I might have to pass on that one. Like I should have on Semi-Pro.