First Look at ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’: James Bond of Yore

The first trailer for Guy Ritchie’s much-anticipated “Sherlock Holmes 2,” starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, is finally out. Months after on-set footage hit the net, fans can get a fair idea of what’s in store for them when the film comes out in theaters this December.

The first film was a major hit with audiences, bringing the British director back in the spotlight and making him “mainstream” at last, critics pointed out upon its release.

As such, by Hollywood’s golden rules, making a sequel became a must – and Ritchie and the cast immediately set out to work on it.

Called “A Game of Shadows,” the second “Sherlock Holmes” film seems to be just as packed – if not even more – with action scenes, dramatic slow-mos and witty dialog.

If one were to compare, one could say that Holmes bears a striking resemblance to Daniel Craig’s James Bond, minus the gadgets.

At least, that’s what fans can make of it judging by the brand new trailer, as The Independent also notes.

“The footage opens with Noomi Rapace (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Downey reading each other’s dangerous fortunes. Then a series of quick-cut excerpts unfolds with nonstop action scenes jammed across 2 1/2 minutes,” the publication says.

“Jude Law returns as Dr. Watson to join the latest investigation and the two chase after the most important case of Holmes’s career across Europe from England to France and into Switzerland with the humor and antics established in the first film, plus explosions, gun fights and disguises,” The Independent adds.

As fans must already know, the second film will have Holmes going after his biggest enemy of all times, Professor Moriarty, who is set to destroy the world – and Sherlock must, of course, prevent him from doing that.

Moriarty is played by Jared Harris, while Kelly Reilly returns as Watson’s fiancé and, later on in the film, wife. Rachel McAdams also returns. 

As noted above, Holmes and Watson are assisted in their new adventure by a mysterious and dangerous woman played by Noomi Rapace, who attained international fame for her performance in the original “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” film.

“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” is out in theaters starting December 16. Below is the first trailer in full, enjoy.