Guy Ritchie: 'Russell Crowe Isn't Playing Dr. Watson'

Guy Ritchie has denied reports Russell Crowe is set to play Sherlock Holmes' sidekick Dr Watson in his new film based on the famous fictional detective.

It was claimed the Gladiators star had been lined up to star opposite Robert Downey Jr as Holmes' confidante and storyteller in the forthcoming flick.

But Ritchie -- who was accompanied last night by wife Madonna on the red carpet for the premier of his new film RocknRolla -- insists the reports couldn't be further from the truth.

He tells British movie magazine Empire, "I don't have a Watson. Somebody just told me that I have Russell Crowe lined up but that's news to me.

"I suspect that hasn't happened and I'm still looking for my Watson."

Although Ritchie hasn't found one of the film's most essential characters, the moviemaker insists the production is shaping up just fine.

He added, "I'm very happy about it. We've got what I'd like to think are some of the best locations in London and with this film I get to show a whole new side to London. I've done contemporary and now I won’t be doing that, obviously."