Sir Ian McKellen has Tweeted the first image of him as the great detective Sherlock Holmes in his upcoming film titled Mr. Holmes.
Sir Ian McKellen may only be 75, but he’s set to play a 93-year-old Sherlock Holmes in director Bill Condon’s Mr. Holmes. The actor has Tweeted the first look at him as the elderly Holmes and we have to say he still looks quite sharp.
Over 70 actors have previously played Sherlock Holmes. Now he's 93 years old and it's my turn. #MrHolmes pic.twitter.com/B9HkUgfkCv
— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) July 9, 2014
The film takes place in 1947, where McKellen plays a Holmes who is currently enjoying his retirement with his housekeeper and her amateur-sleuthing son.
The story is based on a novel by Mitch Cullin, where Sherlock Holmes must solve the greatest mystery of his career from 50 years ago without Watson at his side, and with declining mental abilities.
The last time Ian McKellen paired up with director Bill Condon, McKellen was nominated for Best Actor and Condon for Best Adapted Screenplay for their film Gods and Monsters.
We think Mr. Holmes will undoubtedly be on the radar of Sherlock Holmes’ fans (and McKellen fans) as it heads towards its premiere.
Mr. Holmes’ release date is set for 2015 and is currently in pre-production. We imagine they’re doing screen tests with Sir Ian Tweeting a picture of his first time in costume as the beloved detective.
The film was originally titled A Slight Trick of the Mind, but Ian McKellen’s Tweet reveals that the new title is officially Mr. Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes has been portrayed by over 70 actors and is currently the focus of two TV shows. We also have Robert Downey Jr.’s film trilogy, so it seems everyone is looking to get in on the Sherlock love, but we certainly aren’t complaining.
Let us know if you’re excited to see one of the greatest actors of our time portraying one of our most beloved characters on the big screen.