From their new issue, Empire has just released three stills that reveal Professor Moriarty and Gypsy woman Sim. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law returns to their respective roles as Holmes and Watson in this follow up. Eddie Marsan returns as the Inspector Lestrade, who has a tempestuous relationship with the detective. Guy Richie also returns to helm the followup. The new additions to the cast are Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, and Stephen Fry. Comedian Stephen Fry will be portraying the famous detective's brother, Mycroft Holmes.

Fresh off of her run as the Swedish version of The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, Noomi Rapace will be playing the Gypsy woman Sim. Although many rumors have pointed that Sim will be Holmes's love interest in the new film, thus replacing Rachel McAdams's character, Irene Adler, from the first film, a report from earlier in the year shows that McAdams will still have a role in the new film. Even so, it could be that Sim is a love interest but who really knows. 

Another rumor filled role was Professor Moriarty. During preproduction, the role was rumored to be offered to numerous well known actors including Brad Pitt, Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Penn and Gary Oldman. Daniel Day-Lewis was supposedly the fan favorite to play Sherlock Holmes arch-nemesis. But Jared Harris beat out the competition for the coveted role. Even though I would've loved to see Day-Lewis in the role, Harris is a fantastic actor. He is best known for his role as Lane Pryce in AMC's Mad Men.

The film is out on Dec. 16th, 2011.