Jonny Lee Miller takes on Sherlock Holmes on CBS's 'Elementary'

Jonny Lee Miller might still be best known as Angelina Jolie's ex, but he may change some minds this fall by taking on an iconic role: He'll play detective Sherlock Holmes in CBS's modern-day reboot "Elementary."

Set in present-day Manhattan, the series reimagines Holmes as a fresh-out-of-rehab genius covered in tattoos (Miller's own) who uses his uncanny deductive skills to help the NYPD solve its most vexing cases. Of course, his loyal sidekick Watson is by his side, but he looks a little different this time around: "Charlie's Angels" star Lucy Liu plays the role of Watson here, who's both Holmes' crime-solving partner and his sobriety coach.

Hear Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu talk about their "Elementary" roles right here:


Miller rose to fame in the mid-'90s with edgy roles in indie films like "Trainspotting" and "Hackers," where he co-starred with Jolie. The two wed in 1996, but separated less than two years later, finally divorcing in 1999. But the two have remained close, appearing at charity events together. Miller has since married actress/model Michele Hicks; the couple has a three-year-old son, Buster.

In recent years, Miller has focused on movie roles in his native Great Britain, and was even considered to play James Bond before Daniel Craig snagged the part. But he's no stranger to U.S. TV: He did star in ABC's short-lived drama "Eli Stone" in 2008, and played villain Jordan Chase on Season 5 of Showtime's "Dexter." Now he aims to put a new spin on a classic literary character. Will viewers buy into the new-look Sherlock, though? We admit, we don't have a clue; that particular mystery won't be solved until this fall. 

"Elementary" premieres Thursday, 9/27 at 10 PM on CBS.