Jude Law is in talks to join Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes, the Guy Ritchie-directed drama for Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures.

According to Variety, Law is expected to close a deal shortly to play Watson, the super-sleuth's sidekick.

The film will incorporate the classic tales written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as the comic book Sherlock Holmes. Studio is still casting some of the principal roles, including the villain, Blackwood.

Production begins early next month in London.