'Lord of the Rings' star Ian McKellen to play Sherlock Holmes, posts first look

Los Angeles: Ian Mckellen shared the first look of his character of an ageing Sherlock Holmes in the upcoming film with his fans on Twitter.[caption id="attachment_1614205" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Ian McKellen as Sherlock Holmes. Courtesy: Twitter[/caption]The film, which was previously titled 'A Slight Trick of the Mind' will see McKellen channeling his inner detective to solve a cold case from years ago."Over 70 actors have previously played Sherlock Holmes. Now he's 93 years old and it's my turn. #MrHolmes," wrote the actor.

Over 70 actors have previously played Sherlock Holmes. Now he's 93 years old and it's my turn. #MrHolmes pic.twitter.com/B9HkUgfkCv

— Ian McKellen (@IanMcKellen) July 9, 2014

The new story centers on a long-retired Sherlock Holmes haunted by an unsolved case from fifty years ago. He remembers only fragments: a confrontation with an angry husband, a secret bond with his beautiful but unstable wife. With his legendary mental powers on the wane, and without his old sidekick Watson, Holmes is faced with the toughest case of his life.The movie is directed by Bill Condon of 'Chicago' fame and is based on a novel by Mitch Cullin.PTI