Brad Pitt joins Holmes movie

Monday, 17 August 2009

Brad Pitt has been drafted in to play a villain in Guy Ritchie's 'Sherlock Holmes'.

The 'Inglourious Basterds' actor will play the British detective's nemesis Moriarty in the film, after studio executives demanded the character - originally omitted from the film - was reinstated and cast.

Guy called on Brad - who he also worked with on gangster movie 'Snatch' - to ask him if he could spare a few days to shoot the extra scenes in London.

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "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.

"It was an oversight in the film not to make a bigger deal about Moriarty. He is mentioned as Holmes' arch enemy, but bosses wanted Guy to make more of him."

The extra shooting is due to start this week, although Robert Downey Jr., who plays the titular detective and Jude Law, who is his sidekick Doctor Watson, completed their scenes months ago.

The extra 10 days of filming will take place across the UK capital with luxury hotel Cliveden House to be used as the main base for Brad's character.

The source added: "Brad is expected to be filming all over London. Cliveden House has been earmarked as a location for Moriarty's home.

"There will be scenes shot at Royal Victoria Dock, Pontoon Docks, Pinewood and Chatham Docks in Kent. And they will be using clips around the city to set the scene.

"It's going to be a full-on couple of days, but they might just do it in time."

The release date for the film has also been put back to the end of December.