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Whoa, that was a close call people. London’s Daily Mirror reported that Brad Pitt was set to join the cast of Guy Ritchie‘s Sherlock Holmes, but Us Weekly has debunked the rumor.

According to the rumor, Brad was set to arrive in London this week and shoot scenes as Sherlock Holmes nemesis Moriarty. The original report said the Guy decided to add Brad after seeing first cut of the film.

All of this is completely false though, which kinda makes me happy. The studio told Us, “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. As planned, it will be released on Christmas Day, 2009. In order to complete the movie, we’ve scheduled a few days on set to shoot a couple of additional scenes, obtain pick-up shots, and perfect some of the visual effects elements, all of which is standard filmmaking practice.”

Maybe they decided not to use him for fear that he would roll some perfect joints and Robert Downey Jr. wouldn’t be able to contain himself. That would just not be good for the film, now would it? I’m quite happy he’s not going to be in the movie. I feel like he wouldn’t have made it work at this stage in his career. Maybe like ten years ago, I could totally see him in something like this, but not right now.

Know what I can see him as? Mayor of New Orleans. He needs to not be all “oh no being the mayor isn’t for me” and get off his ass and run. But can someone tell him to shave the goatee? I’m just utterly upset by it. Thank you.

Gallery Info: Brad Pitt at the Berlin premiere of Inglourious Basterds.