Time for an early preview of one of next year’s highly anticipated films. Note: It’s still too early for pics from the movie or posters or trailers, but we do have a few set pics for you, courtesy of thebadandugly.com.

Sherlock Holmes. Does the character’s name ring a bell? It should. Look it up on IMDB and 16 different versions appear to have been made for the screen in one shape or another throughout time. Another new version is in the works. The plot is pretty straight-forward on the surface as it’s set in 1891 with the titular detective Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson engaging in a battle of brawn and wits with a nemesis who plans to threaten all of England. So why would we want to enter down this road again? Here are a few reasons that this film could be unique.

Sherlock Holmes Official Movie Logo

First off, it’s directed by Guy Ritchie, of Snatch fame, who will undoubtedly bring a unique visual style and potentially some frantic pacing to the story. Secondly, the cast appears to be pretty strong, beginning with actor du jour of the moment, Iron Man and Mr. Blackface himself, Robert Downey Jr. If you know of a more daring actor than he, let me know and the debates can begin. I expect primarily silence from the peanut gallery at this standpoint.

Something is too funny for RDJ or else he is over-acting.

Also signing on for the cast are the venerable Jude Law, as notable sidekick Watson, the usually solid Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, New Jersey gal who earns Holmes’ respect, and new Ritchie stalwart Mark Strong, who coincidentally made a very strong impression in Guy’s most recent film, RockNRolla. With Strong playing the villain, Lord Blackwood (such a cool, old-school name, too), all told, that’s a pretty solid lineup that could potentially knock one out of the park. I only wish Daniel Craig could take a break from Bond and squeeze in a supporting role somehow.

That's Law, Dr. Watson, Jude Law to you.

I expect this to be a little less funny than some other iterations, as it’s been reported that Law will not be portraying the “bumbling fool” that Watson has kind of become known for. Also, Ritchie is not writing, so we may lose some of the sly-wit his scripts are known for. Holmes is always a nutty mess and that would fit right up Downey’s alley, with him certainly having the experience to draw from.

In Iron Man, I did this with no wires. I. Am. Old school.

Long-time super Producer Joel Silver (the Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and Matrix series of pics) is on board, so studio expectations are likely to be high. However, period pieces, which this most certainly is, can definitely struggle at the box office. With Ritchie appealing more to younger fans, but maybe the era Holmes is set in turning some of them off, it will be an interesting sell once this is marketed for release next year. We can only wait and see as it may take a detective to figure out. The movie is currently filming and at this point due to arrive in theaters November 20, 2009.