Warner Bros and Robert Downey Jr are set to team up again, for Perry Mason's return to the big screen.
With Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows just months away from hitting cinemas, Robert Downey Jr has just signed up, it seems, to play iconic defence attorney Perry Mason, in what Warner Bros hope will be another franchise for their books.
The Perry Mason TV series’ and films were based on the books by Erle Stanley Gardner, and often involved the titular character using a combination of his wits and other unconventional methods to prove the innocence of his client. Often putting himself in dangerous situations in the process, of course.
Downey Jr was sought for the role by Warners, and their affection for their star presumably led to them agreeing for him to have input on the story. It's Downey Jr and screenwriter David Gambino (Gothika, Whiteout, The Brave One) who have come up with an original story for the character, rather than taking inspiration from the many novels or previous screen incarnations.
Although it will be an original story, it’s believed that it will be set in 1930s Los Angeles, and familiar characters from the series will make an appearance in the film.
The deal has only been finalised this week so it’s unclear when this will shoot and indeed who will end up directing. But by the sounds of things, this will certainly be one to look out for. It may be that the project will be lined up for Downey Jr to tackle once he's done on the shoot of Iron Man 3, which is coming up next year.
And, if Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows hits big, expect a third outing in that franchise, too, which will need to be slotted in. A busy many, Mr Downey Jr...
Follow Den Of Geek on Twitter right here. And be our Facebook chum here.