It looks like Guy Ritchie’s re-imagining of Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes” movie is quickly becoming the hot ticket in town. With news that Jude Law had just signed on as Watson, Holmes’ exposition-heavy sidekick, now comes additional news that Rachel McAdams will also be joining the cast. McAdams (”Red Eye”) will be playing a character name Irene Adler, described as an “enigmatic” love interest to Holmes, who actually only appeared in one Sherlock Holmes story. Word is, if there is a sequel, she would of course return for another go-around. In this day and age of wannabe franchises, you can probably bet that the studio is locking in these actors for more than just one movie in case the series takes off. I don’t see it happening, but then again, I’m not a bigtime Hollywood movie mogul.

THR has more:

The movie, which will begin shooting next month, takes its cue from a forthcoming comic book that producer Lionel Wigram wrote as a selling tool for a new take on the classic character. The concept sees Holmes as more adventurous and less stuffy than previous screen incarnations and mines more obscure character traits.

Downey will play Holmes while Mark Strong (”RocknRolla”) plays the main villain, Blackwood. Jude Law is portraying Holmes’ colleague Watson.

McAdams plays Holmes’ enigmatic love interest, Irene Adler, a character who appeared in Doyle’s 1891 “A Scandal in Bohemia.” While the character only appeared in that one story, McAdams’ personage would return for any possible sequel.

Robert Downey Jr. will play Holmes, Law as Watson, and some guy name Mark Strong (a Ritchie regular, apparently) will be the villain. No signs of Russell Crowe as Moriarty, as has been the rumor for months now. Maybe they’re saving the Crowester up for the sequel…?

Below: Rachel McAdams in tight, Victorian-era corset? Okay, who has been reading my dream journals again…