Meet Sherlock Holmes' nemesis

Brad Pitt is all set to star as Sherlock Holmes' arch enemy, Moriarty, in Guy Ritchie's forthcoming film.

The Hollywood hunk, who had also starred in the British filmmaker's Snatch, had a couple of days free in his busy schedule so he gave his nod to play the evil criminal mastermind.

Shooting with Pitt is due to start this week in London and on location at Cliveden House -- the venue beside the Thames at Berkshire is the backdrop for Moriartys home.

'It's a huge coup to have Brad joining the cast,' the Mirror quoted a source as said.

'He has worked for Guy before and said if he could, he would do anything to help out.

'It was an oversight in the film not to make a bigger deal about Moriarty. He is mentioned as Holmes' arch enemy, but the bosses wanted Guy to make more of him. Jude Law (who plays Dr Watson) and Robert Downey Jr (Holmes) have already shot their scenes.

'But now that 10 extra days have been added to shoot the new ones, they may be called back for a day or two. 

'Brad is expected to be filming all over London. Cliveden House has been earmarked as a location for Moriarty's home. There will be scenes shot at Royal Victoria Dock, Pontoon Docks, Pinewood and Chatham Docks in Kent. And they will be using clips around City of London to set the scene.

'It's going to be a full-on couple of days, but now the release date has been pushed back they might just do it in time,' the source added.

Image: Brad Pitt, Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr (Photographs: Reuters)