Robert Downey and Jude Law set for Holmes sequel?

We all know Hollywood has a fetish for sequels, but this is just getting bizarre:

A full three-months before the first film even opens, Warner Brothers are already so in love with the content, they have ordered a sequel — whether we even want one or not.

The first movie, ‘Holmes’ is a re-telling of the life of that timeless detective, played with his usual gusto by Robert Downey Jr. And the role of his invaluable aid, Dr. Watson has been left in the care of the splendid Jude Law.

In the newly announced second chapter, the pair will be joined by no less than Brad Pitt as the criminal genius, and Holmes’ mortal enemy, Professor James Moriarty. No deal has been signed yet, but he looks pretty sure.

As you might expect, even the prospect of Brad in a movie causes hundreds of blogs to erupt with false rumors, and this film has been no exception. One rumor insisted he can also be seen in Holmes, chapter one – but those involved with production have told the Hollywood Reporter that the character is just shown in shadow and no face can be seen – So it’s clearly not him.

Debuted in clip-form at ComicCon, the first movie [directed by Madonna's ex-hubby, Guy Ritchie,] will open at Christmas and Warners have already hijacked Kieran and Michele Mulroney, who were busy crafting their upcoming “Justice League: Mortal” to create the second ‘Holmes’ story that would open in March.

And good news for those fans of Robert: Warners are known to be keen to develop ‘Holmes’ as a franchise, due to its worldwide appeal and the rich source material. And that will give Robert far more time on the screen, and some welcome time-off from his ‘Iron Man’ suit.

The story, which was created by Warner’s writers, not based on the books, adds Rachel McAdams as Holmes’ love interest, and the great detective’s first case will begin to unravel when the movie opens in theaters on Christmas Day.