Sherlock Holmes vs Giant Monsters

Iconic consulting detective Sherlock Holmes may be getting a modern revamp courtesy of Robert Downey Jr., but the news that the Asylum is producing their own tale of the great detective — and throwing giant monsters into the mix — has me reaching for the (metaphorical) cocaine.

Sherlock Holmes (US-2010; dir. Rachel Goldenberg)

Synopsis:

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective faces the ultimate challenge when enormous monsters attack London.

Principal photography is just finishing up and a period of low-budget CGI enhancement will now follow (adding lots of giant-monster action, one hopes), as we head toward the announced 26 January 2010 release date. Apart from the above synopsis and clues gleaned from a batch of newly released production shots, little is known about the content of the film — though I’ve put Kaiju Search-Robot Avery on the case. Even as we speak he’s trying to extract information from Asylum producer and Holmes screenwriter Paul Bales.

The film stars Welsh actor Ben Syder as Holmes and Gareth David-Lloyd of Torchwood fame as Dr John Watson (see below).

The main villain doesn’t appear to be the infamous Professor Moriarty, but rather Spring-Heeled Jack — a strange character from English Victorian-era folklore who was renowned for being able to leap very high.

Wikipedia describes him thus:

Spring Heeled Jack was described by people claiming to have seen him as having a terrifying and frightful appearance, with diabolical physiognomy, clawed hands, and eyes that “resembled red balls of fire”. One report claimed that, beneath a black cloak, he wore a helmet and a tight-fitting white garment like an “oilskin”. Many stories also mention a “Devil-like” aspect. Spring Heeled Jack was said to be tall and thin, with the appearance of a gentleman, and capable of making great leaps. Several reports mention that he could breathe out blue and white flames and that he wore sharp metallic claws at his fingertips. At least two people claimed that he was able to speak comprehensible English. (Wikipedia)

Clearly the hints of mechanical enhancement have been taken on-board by Bales and director Rachel Goldenberg to produce a chap named Thorpe who wears rather fetching steampunk armour and bears the pseudonym, Spring-Heeled Jack — in which guise he commits dastardly deeds:

This is Spring-Heeled Jack’s helmet:

And below is the power-pack that gives him his “spring”:

Also on the case is Inspector Lestrade, a regular from the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories and novels:

As is that most famous of London street addresses 221B Baker Street, complete with Mrs Hudson:

Oh yes, bring it on!

Gallery:

• Source: Official Asylum webpage