At various times within the past ten to fifteen years, there’s been a few very similar films in direct competition with one another. Armageddon had its Deep Impact, A Bug’s Life had Antz to deal with, and more recently Capote and Infamous were released within close proximity.  But soon, Sherlock Holmes may be getting the double treatment, both from completely different angles.

Guy Ritchie, who apparently made pretty cool flicks before marrying Madonna, will be directing the first and more serious attempt to bring Holmes to screen.  This production is said to be slightly more serious, and possibly featuring a slightly more adventurous protagonist than fans of the series may be used to.  Of course, there’s the question of who would star as Holmes, and its one that has been answered just yesterday.  Following up on his string of big roles in Iron Man and Tropic Thunder, Robert Downey Jr. has been reported by Entertainment Weekly to have accepted the role.

The other take on the series will come from producer Judd Apatow, and will obviously try for a more funny approach.  A director hasn’t been announced yet, but Sasha Baron Cohen (Borat, Ali G) has been scheduled to play the main part, with Will Ferrell as Watson.  Now, before you sigh at the increasingly tired and cliched casting of Ferrell, at least try to remember that he and Cohen have already been paired once in Talladega Nights, which was generally well received.  Though admittedly, that’s a film entire different from one tackling Holmes.

Dates have been rumored for both films, yet nothing has really been set in stone on either side just yet.  And while the casting for Richie’s version may be good news for many, the news concerning Apatow’s may be cause for some debate.  If that’s your fancy, drop by our Movies forum and let us know what you think.

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