Does Guy Ritchie want Daniel Day-Lewis to star as the villain Moriarty in “Sherlock Holmes 2?” That’s the rumor going round. Production Weekly had the info this week as did SuperHero Hype and apparently they have the same source as their intel is exactly the same.
But does Guy Ritchie want a pie-in-the-sky acting choice for his sequel? Of course he does, but unless he’s become very chummy with director Rebecca Miller (Daniel Day-Lewis’ wife), we’re pretty positive the actor, who is already notoriously picky about his roles, is going to politely pass. “Sherlock Holmes” was fun popcorn, but we’d bet the life of our blog this is not the type of film Day-Lewis would ever agree to starring in. Sure he’s lightening up a bit with “Nine,” which was a weak effort, but there was a song and dance element to it that gave the thespian the challenge he is constantly craving.
Basically, what has leaked is Ritchie and Warner Bros.’ wish list, which also includes slightly more plausible choices in Sean Penn, Javier Bardem and Gary Oldman (ok, Oldman’s really the only plausible choice and maaaaybe Bardem).
Not that DDL will probably bother addressing these rumors — nor does the reclusive actor walk many random red carpets which will give reporters the chance to ask him — but don’t be shocked when its announced he or Penn haven’t taken this role.
Studios always have wish lists — last year we read, for example, the wish list picks for an upcoming 20th Century Fox film and we’re glad we didn’t bother reporting them because all of them aimed way too high (like this DDL reach) and none came to pass. Don’t get too excited about this one. Sean Penn’s not about to take this role either. Offer stories are one weak, non-story. Wish lists are even weaker and again, this info should stay behind closed doors. (And yes, we have done offer stories in the past and will probably do them in the future but usually we only bother when it surrounds a film that we’re truly anticipating and/or when the choices seem likely/logical rather than just a shot in the dark hope).