Rumor has it that director Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes" was based on an original comic book concept. But even if that's not entirely true, there is absolutely no question that the latest "Holmes" adventure has plenty in common with the paneled page.
Between the film's director and the four principle actors in the movie, "Sherlock Holmes" has more than a few connections to comic book cinema. Read on for our rundown of some of the links between the cast and crew of "Sherlock Holmes" and the comic book community.
ROBERT DOWNEY JR
As if anyone needs a reminder, Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark, the leading man behind Marvel's "Iron Man" film franchise. Comic book fans recently got a taste of Downey's return to the role of Stark in the action-packed "Iron Man 2" teaser trailer. Beyond playing Ol' Shellhead in the "Iron Man" series and the upcoming "The Avengers," Downey also recently signed on for a starring role in "Cowboys & Aliens," which will be directed by "Iron Man" helmer Jon Favreau.
JUDE LAW
Not long ago, Jude Law was making the rumor mill rounds for his alleged attachment to Marvel's "Thor." Many assumed that Law was up for Fandral the Dashing of the Warriors Three, though that part ultimately went to Stuart Townsend. While Law himself denied the rumors, there's no denying that he's a comic book fan based on his very own "Watchmen" tattoo.
RACHEL MCADAMS
As the femme fatale of "Sherlock Holmes," Rachel McAdams was almost cast in a similar role for the upcoming fourth "Spider-Man" movie — or was she? McAdams herself turned down the rumors that she was lined up to play Felicia Hardy, even though I think she would have made for a fine Black Cat. Still, McAdams might have another shot at comic book glory through the "Torso" adaptation, assuming that it ever happens.
MARK STRONG
Lord Blackwood, the "Sherlock Holmes" villain played by Mark Strong, is so vicious that he could really kick your ass — on theater screens, that is. Strong is continuing his bad guy persona in next year's "Kick-Ass" as a mafia boss named Frank D'Amico. It's still early to say whether or not Strong survives the movie's events (and even if we knew, we wouldn't tell!) but the actor is under the impression that more "Kick-Ass" movies are on the way, regardless of his own participation.
GUY RITCHIE
The "Sherlock Holmes" director's link to the comic book world is certainly an interesting one. For quite a while, Guy Ritchie was attached to a feature film adaptation of "Sgt. Rock," though he seemingly abandoned that project to helm the upcoming "Lobo" movie for Warner Bros. Still, nothing is certain for Ritchie, as he recently told MTV News that his involvement in "Lobo" isn't guaranteed.
Tell us about some other connections between "Sherlock Holmes" and comic books in the comments section or on Twitter!