Russell Crowe to star as ‘Watson’ in ‘Sherlock Holmes’

Russell Crowe is set to star in Guy Ritchie‘s new film about legendary English detective Sherlock Holmes.

Crowe will star as the detective’s famous assistant, Dr Watson, alongside Robert Downey Jr in the lead role.

“Russell wants the part, Guy wants Russell,” a movie source told The Sun newspaper.

“All they’ve got left to do is dot the i’s and cross the t’s.”

Crowe had been due to start work on Ridley Scott‘s film about Robin Hood and star as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

But that has now been put on the backburner because of production delay, leaving Crowe free to concentrate on his new role as Dr Watson.

The movie’s script is based on a new comic book series about the famous English detective, with filming due to begin next month.