Robert Downey Jr is in final negotiations to play Sherlock Holmes in director Guy Ritchie's movie about the crime fighter, according to a report.

The Iron Man star was introduced to the project through his wife, who works for one of the film's producers, The Hollywood Reporter says.

The film will rival a Columbia Pictures Sherlock Holmes comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen in the lead role.

Ritchie's Holmes will be less stuffy than previous screen incarnations.

Source: Press Release