Robert Downey Jr. is still continuing this blockbuster pace. With Iron Man arriving on DVD, and Tropic Thunder still fresh in everyone's minds, Downey is set to begin production on the most famous detective of all time. Warner Bros. released the following statement ...

Principal photography is set to begin on location in London for the action adventure mystery “Sherlock Holmes,” being helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie, for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.

Robert Downey Jr. brings the legendary detective to life as he has never been portrayed before. Jude Law stars as Holmes’ trusted colleague, Watson, a doctor and war veteran who is a formidable ally for Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman ever to have bested Holmes and who has maintained a tempestuous relationship with the detective. Mark Strong stars as their mysterious new adversary, Blackwood. Kelly Reilly will play Watson’s love interest, Mary.

Based on an original story/comic book by Lionel Wigram, inspired by the classic tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the film will be produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin. Steve Clark-Hall and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.

In a dynamic new portrayal of Conan Doyle’s famous characters, “Sherlock Holmes” sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.

Guy Ritchie most recently wrote, directed and produced the action comedy “RocknRolla,” a box office success which opened at number one in the U.K. The film is set for release in select U.S. cities on October 8 and expands nationwide on October 31. Ritchie’s previous writing and directing credits include “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” “Snatch” and “Revolver.”

Robert Downey Jr. starred this past summer in the blockbuster “Iron Man” and the comedy smash “Tropic Thunder.” His recent film credits also include “Zodiac” and “Good Night, and Good Luck.” He previously earned an Academy Award® nomination and a BAFTA Award for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in “Chaplin.” “Sherlock Holmes” is his third project with producer Joel Silver, following “Gothika” and the award-winning “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.” Downey Jr. will next be seen in the biographical drama “The Soloist.”

Jude Law earned an Academy Award® nomination and won a BAFTA Award for his work in Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” He received his second Oscar® and BAFTA nominations for his role in Minghella’s “Cold Mountain.” Law starred last year in Kenneth Branagh’s “Sleuth,” and includes among his upcoming films “Repossession Mambo” and Terry Gilliam’s “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.”

Rachel McAdams most recently starred in the indie feature “The Lucky Ones.” Her additional film credits include “The Family Stone,” “Wedding Crashers,” “Red Eye,” “The Notebook” and “Mean Girls.” She also stars in the upcoming films “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and “State of Play.”

Mark Strong, currently starring in Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla,” previously teamed with the director on the indie “Revolver.” Strong will next be seen in Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated action drama “Body of Lies.” He previously earned a BAFTA Television Award for the BBC crime series “The Long Firm.”

Kelly Reilly recently earned critical acclaim for her work in the films “Pride & Prejudice” and “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” for which she won a London Film Critics Circle Award and earned a British Independent Film Award nomination.

“Sherlock Holmes” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.