He’s Gotta Crowe…As Dr. Watson?

Will Russell Crowe play second fiddle to Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes? Get it? Second fiddle? Ha ha.  

According to Britain’s The Sun (via Slashfilm), Russell Crowe is interested in playing Dr. Watson in Guy Ritchie’s new Sherlock Holmes movie. Robert Downey Jr. has been cast as Holmes.

Ritchie’s version will supposedly emphasize the action-physical nature of Holmes, because thinking, logic, and being rational isn’t macho enough for the always “I’m such a tough guy” Ritchie. Holmes did his share of fencing, but of course memorably played the violin in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books. I can’t even begin to guess what Ritchie must think of the violin playing.

Anyway, reportedly Crowe has time now that Nottingham has been postponed and this project suits him and his schedule. Here’s the quote from a “movie insider” (as vague a description as you’ll find of a source):

“Russell wants the part, Guy wants Russell. All they’ve got left to do is dot the i’s and cross the t’s.”

Now let’s be careful here–The Sun isn’t exactly a reliable source. In fact, it would have to be considered a very unreliable source and this story would have to fall into the “rumor so shaky we probably shouldn’t even mention it” category. But it’s been a slow news long weekend, so what the heck, let’s wonder a little bit, shall we? And if it does turn out to be true, well, how nice, glad to have you, Russell!