Casting Call: Professor Moriarty

Christine Champ, Jan 26, 2010; Film.com

Now that Robert Downey Jr. and Guy Ritchie have given Sherlock Holmes a 21st-century rebirth, and a sequel (and the dawn of a blockbuster franchise) is nearly certain, one nagging question remains. Who will play Moriarty?

His creator, author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has described him within his Sherlock Holmes series as the "Napoleon of crime," a "spider in a web" of Godfather-esque evil, a genius of good breeding and excellent education, a former professor with phenomenal mathematical capabilities and mental powers turned to dark purpose by the diabolical strain in his blood. And as far as looks go: tall, thin, gray hair, domed forehead, clean-shaven, sunken eyes, and a reptilian shiftiness. Of course, Ritchie, as he did in 2009's Sherlock Holmes will certainly exercise his right to artistic license in interpreting the character -- which I imagine will include an extra dollop of wit.



Who then, among the current academy of actors, could embody Holmes' arch-nemesis, the dark side to the late-19th-century hero's somewhat murky light of goodness, a super-villain with intellect and imagination to match his? He must be played, of course, by a thespian with the chops to foil (in all senses of the word) an actor of Downey's caliber on the big screen.

Past Professor Moriartys have included Orson Welles (in a 1950s radio broadcast) and Law & Order's Vincent D'Onofrio (in a 2002 made-for-cable movie). Though there's been buzz Ritchie plans to cast Brad Pitt in the role, so far its proven unfounded.

So who is fit to slink around in Professor Moriarty's shoes? Is Dick Cheney too infirm?

Well, we have a few suggestions.

Johnny Depp - An acting chameleon if there ever was one. Having played roles as diverse as a bloodthirsty barber to machine gun Romeo and deranged pirate, Depp would certainly make a charismatic and compelling Moriarty.

Stanley Tucci - It's not just the studious glasses he sometimes wears. Tucci's proven he has whatever it takes to play any role, whether it calls for suaveness and intelligence or serial killer sinister-ness. So why not Moriarty?

Gary Oldman - Dracula, Beethoven, Sid Vicious, Lee Harvey Oswald, Jesus ... Moriarty should be a snap for Oldman.

William Hurt - Hurt does innate evil unnervingly well, especially as A History of Violence's Richie Cusack.

Anthony Hopkins - Think "psychotic genius" and you know Hopkins, aka Hannibal Lecter, is one of the first and most blood-curdling actors to come to mind.

Christoph Waltz - Truly my top choice. If you've watched his Golden Globe-winning performer as the twinkly-eyed Nazi sleuth with the charm of a cobra in Inglourious Basterds, then enough said. If not, see the film and you'll understand.

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