Downey Jr confirmed for 'Sherlock Holmes'

Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie's new film based on the Baker Street detective, reports Variety.

The Iron Man star, who began circling the project last month, has agreed to star in the Warner Bros film, which will begin shooting in October.

Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin are serving as producers.

The film will take inspiration from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic novels and Wigram's recent comic book series.

Ritchie's Holmes film will go into production before Columbia's recently announced comedy offering.