Jason Statham Wants to Play Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes Movie

British hardman Jason Statham is hoping to land the role of Dr. Watson in the new Guy Ritchie-directed Sherlock Holmes movie.

Statham, star of films such as Collateral and The Italian Job, admits he is secretly praying that his pal Ritchie will offer him the prestigious job of playing Sherlock Holmes' famous sidekick.

He says, "I have spoken to Guy about Sherlock Holmes, I see Robert Downey and speak to him too. It seems like a very exciting project for them both to get stuck into.

"I don't know if I will be ending up there. We'll see what happens. Dr. Watson would be great. Who knows?"

Meanwhile, Ritchie is reportedly lining up wife Madonna to star in the film, and is said to be considering having the pop superstar play an unfortunate victim of a serial killer being pursued by Holmes.

"Madonna is fascinated with the project and the story of Sherlock Holmes," a source said last week. "Despite the rumors, Guy and Madonna would love to work together again and I don't thing either of them can resist a chance to stick up two fingers up to all the people who think they are splitting."