Stephen Fry in Sherlock Holmes 2

Stephen Fry has joined the cast of Sherlock Holmes 2 as Mycroft, the older brother of the titular sleuth.

With Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams all returning, the sequel has already also acquired the talents of Noomi Rapace in the possible role of a French gypsy.

Fry’s take on Mycroft should prove a typically crafty and classy affair, with the actor proving adept in portraying both ineffably intellectual and intrinsically comical characters.

“I’m playing Mycroft in the sequel to the Sherlock Holmes film Guy Ritchie directed with Robert Downey Jr., and that sort of part is fun,” Fry told BBC 5 Live.

“But just once in a while to play a genuine all round sort of lead figure with complexity and tragedy and wit and all the sort of things that Oscar [ Wilde ] had was a once in a lifeftime thrill.”

The last lead role yet to be cast in the follow-up is that of Holmes’ legendary antagonist Moriarty. While rumours have swilled around that Brad Pitt will be taking on the role, nobody has been cast as yet.

Sherlock Holmes 2 will open in cinemas on 16 December 2011.