<Li> Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes , a bohemian scientist and eccentric detective - for - hire who becomes a wanted fugitive in his hunt for Lord Blackwood while constantly being followed by the presence of Professor Moriarty . Downey was visiting Joel Silver 's offices with his wife , producer Susan Downey , when he learned about the project . Ritchie initially felt Downey was too old for the role because he wanted the film to show a younger Holmes on a learning curve like Batman Begins . Ritchie decided to take a chance on casting him in the role , and Downey told the BBC that `` I think me and Guy are well - suited to working together . The more I look into the books , the more fantastic it becomes . Holmes is such a weirdo '' . Downey also revealed what his wife had to say : `` that when you read the description of the guy -- quirky and kind of nuts -- it could be a description of me '' . Downey intended to focus more on Holmes ' patriotic side and his bohemianism , and felt that his work on Chaplin had prepared him for an English accent . Ritchie feels his accent is `` flawless '' . Both Downey and Ritchie are martial arts enthusiasts , and have been inspired by the Baritsu mentioned in the 1901 story `` The Adventure of the Empty House '' . Downey lost weight for the part , because during a chat he had with Chris Martin , Martin recommended that Holmes look `` gaunt '' and `` skinny '' . </Li>
<Li> Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes , a bohemian scientist and eccentric detective - for - hire who becomes a wanted fugitive in his hunt for Lord Blackwood while constantly being followed by the presence of Professor Moriarty . Downey was visiting Joel Silver 's offices with his wife , producer Susan Downey , when he learned about the project . Ritchie initially felt Downey was too old for the role because he wanted the film to show a younger Holmes on a learning curve like Batman Begins . Ritchie decided to take a chance on casting him in the role , and Downey told the BBC that `` I think me and Guy are well - suited to working together . The more I look into the books , the more fantastic it becomes . Holmes is such a weirdo '' . Downey also revealed what his wife had to say : `` that when you read the description of the guy -- quirky and kind of nuts -- it could be a description of me '' . Downey intended to focus more on Holmes ' patriotic side and his bohemianism , and felt that his work on Chaplin had prepared him for an English accent . Ritchie feels his accent is `` flawless '' . Both Downey and Ritchie are martial arts enthusiasts , and have been inspired by the Baritsu mentioned in the 1901 story `` The Adventure of the Empty House '' . Downey lost weight for the part , because during a chat he had with Chris Martin , Martin recommended that Holmes look `` gaunt '' and `` skinny '' . </Li>
who played in sherlock holmes the movie 2009
who played in sherlock holmes the movie 2009
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr.