Holiday Movie Guide: Werewolves & the Apocalypse!

2012, John Cusack, New Moon, Kristen Stewart, Avatar, Michelle Rodriguez, Sherlock Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Summit Entertainment, Warner Bros. Pictures

Did you hear? The world's gonna end—and soon! Also, we've discovered an alien planet with blue-skinned tribal badasses, and Sherlock Holmes is alive and well and looks like Iron Man. Oh, and vampires and werewolves totally don't wear shirts.

At least, that's according to the wannabe blockbusters blasting into theaters this season.

We've got the skinny on everything from Twilight sequel New Moon to James Cameron's 3-D space epic Avatar; from John Cusack's end-of-the-world problems in 2012 to Robert Downey Jr.'s sleuthin' bowler hat in Sherlock Holmes.

Keep it all straight with our all-new 2009 Holiday Movie Guide!

Robert Downey Jr. Going From Playboy to Bunny?

Robert Downey Jr Kevin Mazur/VF/Getty Images

We may see that giant rabbit yet.

After reigniting his career as billionaire playboy Tony Stark in Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. is in talks to star in the Steven Spielberg-directed remake of the Jimmy Stewart classic Harvey, reports the Los Angeles Times Hero Complex blog.

The original, as you may recall, tells the story of a man whose BFF is a large bunny that no one else can see.

This creates problems.

Still, with the supertalented star on a roll with badass parts in Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes, this could be a fun change of pace. Or a disappointment. Oh, who knows?

But we would go see this based on RDJ alone. Would you?

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Who else is getting work in Hollywood? Check in with our Casting Couch gallery!

Brad Pitt Investigating Sherlock Sequel?

Jude Law, Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes, Brad Pitt Warner Bros. Pictures, Colin Stark/Getty Images

The idea of Brad Pitt showing up in a Sherlock Holmes film hasn't been snuffed out yet.

Judging by the trailer, it looks as if audiences are either going to love or hate Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes—but an unknown fate hasn't stopped the studio from planning a sequel already!

The Hollywood Reporter's Risky Business blog is reporting that Warner Bros. is developing a follow-up to the action-packed detective caper, which is due in theaters on Christmas Day, starring Robert Downey Jr. as a Holmes who seems equally adept at cage-fighting as he is at solving the most complex of cases.

And while the studio denied rumors that Pitt was "joining the cast" of the first flick as Holmes' archenemy, Professor Moriarty, Pitt has since talked to producers about playing the supervillain in a possible sequel.

Meanwhile, Ritchie has confirmed that "there is some kind of appearance" by Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes, and that the actor who plays him is not credited for the role.

Deduce what you want from the provided clues. We're just hoping Sherlock rocks enough to earn another go-round.

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Sherlock Holmes isn't the only title we'll be lining up for this winter. Check out some other Movies From the Future! and start prepping your palate for popcorn.

No Pitt, Sherlock!

Jude Law, Robert Downey Jr., Sherlock Holmes, Brad Pitt Warner Bros. Pictures, Colin Stark/Getty Images

By Jove, Brad Pitt is not—repeat not—snooping around the set of Sherlock Holmes.

Warner Bros. is shooting down a widely disseminated newspaper report that the Hollywood hunk is planning to shoot a cameo as Moriarty, the archfoe of Robert Downey Jr.'s pipe-toking supersleuth.

"The report in today's London Mirror is completely inaccurate. Brad Pitt is not joining the cast of Sherlock Holmes and we're extremely pleased with the production of the film," a studio-sanctioned statement says.

The Mirror claimed Pitt had come aboard the film at the last minute at the behest of director Guy Ritchie (who worked with Pitt on Snatch) and would shoot scenes in the London vicinity. The addition of Pitt would push the release of the film, which costars Jude Law as Watson and Rachel McAdams as Holmes' love interest Irene Adler, from December to June.

But Warners quashed that idea faster than you can say "Elementary, my dear Watson..."

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Iron Man 2 Heat: ScarJo Flex Appeal, Downey Rocks, Cheadle Sucks, Much More

Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Iron Man 2 courtesy of Marvel Studios

Iron Man 2 director Jon Favreau laid the groundwork Saturday for expansion and cross-pollination of Marvel franchises. And we're not just talking about sequels! He screened exclusive Iron Man 2 footage that hinted at a mega-Marvel collaboration.

"We wanted to move [Iron Man 2's] plot along to get to where they eventually arrive at The Avengers," Favreau told the crowd of 6,000. The Avengers are an all-star team of Marvel superheroes: Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, The Hulk and some guy named the Ant-Man. (How upset would you be if Ant-Man showed up to save you. Worse than a spider!)

"I've been watching the prep work Kenneth Branagh has been doing on Thor," Favreau told fans."And I'd love to work on a project like The Avengers." Given that Favs was seated next to a Kevin Feige, president of production for Marvel, who couldn't have looked more tickled with the success of the Iron Man franchise, we think he may have an "in" for the director's slot.

So what other things happened at one of the most hyped-up panels of Comic-Con? A lot!

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Comic-Con! RDJ, Megan Fox and Other Wild Things

Robert Downey Jr. Michael Buckner/Getty Images
Comic-Con 2009 Franchise Brick

Whew! The New Moon frenzy has passed, but San Diego Comic-Con still has plenty of juice left on Day 2. We're live-tweeting all the action, and started the day with Robert Downey Jr., Megan Fox and Rachel McAdams at the panels for Sherlock Holmes and the way-trippy Where the Wild Things Are.

But did Johnny Depp pop up again?

Here's the best of today's Twitter report:

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Which Iron Man 2 Star Is Sexier: ScarJo or RDJ?

Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Iron Man 2 courtesy of Marvel Studios
More from The Awful Truth

Next year's obvious blockbuster hit Iron Man 2 is already deep into filming, and tons of new stills have just been released.

The most tummy-yummy so far? Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson, obviously (sorry Gwyneth Paltrow). These two are supergorge but have totally different appeals going for them.

Take RDJ—back from career hell and dee-lish again in a rugged way. He's struggled with a lot, including rehab, and has reattached himself to Hollywood's A-list. ScarJo, on the other hand, has arguably had everything handed to her—albeit because of her own talents and moxie. But she's got the perfectly good-looking spouse, a non-Lohan-esque career and boobs to die for!

What type of sexy do you prefer?

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Catch all the 2009 Comic-Con action in our preview gallery

Rate-a-Trailer: Sherlock Holmes, Action Hero

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Sherlock Holmes has never had it so good.

While the imperious Basil Rathbone once set the standard for the Victorian detective in the movies, Robert Downey Jr. taps into the impish, antiheroic qualities of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic sleuth in Guy Ritchie's action hero take. This steampunk'd Sherlock feels less fusty and dusty—and much more smart- and kickass. We're good with that.

Still, it's not entirely clear from the clip if this will end up being Ritchie at his best, but we like the mix of jaunty bromance with Jude Law's Dr. Watson, the grimy Victorian detail and focus on fisticuffs. Also, Rachel McAdams is always a welcome addition to any film.

So observe, deduce and then sound off: You like what you see or not?
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The Soloist: Foxx and Downey Save Off-Key True Tale

Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., The Soloist Francois Duhamel/ Paramount Pictures

Review in a Hurry: This is a movie about how awesome Steve Lopez, columnist for the Los Angeles Times, is. Really, he's awesome. He makes friends with homeless people and stuff. And he's played by Robert Downey Jr., so he's probably secretly a superhero, too. Good performances save this from being a lame hagiography. Just.

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Robert Downey Jr. Birthday Brings A-Crowd

Robert Downey Jr., Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Gwyneth Paltrow Steve Granitz/Getty Images; Ciao Pix/ INFphoto.com; AP Photo/ Matt Sayles
More from H'Wood Party Girl

When Robert Downey Jr. has a birthday, he gets plenty of A-list help to blow out the candles...all 44 of them.

The Iron Man actor celebrated at Bond St. at the Thompson Beverly Hills hotel on Saturday night, where Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Sting and Ben Stiller were on the list.

Also in attendance: Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal, who “were cuddling and a picture-perfect couple all night,” says a source.

Robert stayed sober, sipping espresso the entire evening, while his partygoers downed hot sake, specialty cocktails and champagne and soaked it all up with sushi and mini lobster tacos.

Dessert included individual chocolate meltdown cakes...and for the reformed bad boy and his pals, it seems like that was the only birthday meltdown of the night.

Rise 'n' Shine: Eminem Gains Enemies With New Vid

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From the first frame of the "We Made You" video, you're likely to realize that you have, in fact, been missing Eminem. No one is safe in his new single—he takes aim at Kim Kardashian, Bret Michaels, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba...The list goes on and on.

Is Miley Cyrus wearing a promise ring?

There's something incredibly unappetizing about a Kate Moss cookbook.

Zach Braff probably thought his birthday party was cool, especially when Kevin Spacey showed up. Then Robert Downey Jr. had to go and upstage his guest list.

Here's a shot of Kanye West's new kicks. Are they worthy of your spring fashions?

Dear Hulk Hogan: Thank you for deciding not to do a Rock of Love-esque reality dating show. One Bret Michaels is quite enough. Love, Rise 'n' Shine

Wonder if Nicole Richie is sharing those gummy peaches she has in the Big Picture gallery today?

Robert Downey Jr. Gives Lowdown on Iron Man 2

Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson, Mickey Rourke Zade Rosenthal/Marvel Entertainment/Paramount Pictures, Victor Zunino Celotta/ Getty Images, Todd Williamson/Getty Images

Iron Man is rocketing back into action on Monday, and Robert Downey Jr. is already sizing up his new nemesis: Mickey Rourke.

“Hell yeah, I've been ready for him!” Downey tells E!'s Daily 10, insisting that all the drama with The Wrestler star will be onscreen.

“We're not going to fight. We have to make a movie! Nobody fights in Hollywood.”

Downey, who reports that Scarlett Johansson has gotten buff to play Black Widow, also says he's sorry to see former costar Terrence Howard go, even though he can't wait to act opposite Howard's replacement, Don Cheadle.

“The weird thing is it's hard to discuss it without being disrespectful to both of them,” says Downey. “Terrence knows how much I love him, and I'm looking forward to making it work with Don.”

Iron Man 2 , also costarring Gwyneth Paltrow and directed by Jon Favreau, is slated for release on May 7, 2010.

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The Big Picture

Ooh La La! Rob arrives in Paris to promote New Moon...and brings some extra sparkle to the City of Light

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