Brad Pitt: In talks for "Sherlock Holmes" sequel

Brad Pitt: In talks for "Sherlock Holmes" sequel

Brad Pitt is in negotiations with the producers of "Sherlock Holmes" to play Holmes' nemesis, Moriarty.

The Warner Bros. project "Sherlock Holmes", directed by Guy Ritchie, is due in theaters on Christmas Day, but no deal is in place for Pitt.

In the project, Robert Downey, Jr. is playing as Sherlock Holmes who seems equally adept at cage-fighting as he is at solving the most complex of cases. Jude Law is playing as Dr. John Watson and Rachel McAdams as love interest Irene Adler.

Brad Pitt was the subject of a litany of blog rumors as appearing in several shots of "Holmes" as Moriarty, but those familiar with the script say the character is in shadow and cannot be recognized.

Meanwhile, Guy Ritchie has confirmed that "there is some kind of appearance" by Moriarty in "Sherlock Holmes" and that the actor who plays him is not credited for the role.