Well this would be cool if it turns out to be true.  SuperHeroHype says they've been told by unconfirmed sources that director Guy Ritchie wants Daniel Day Lewis to play Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes 2.  SHH also reports that Sean Penn, Javier Bardem, and Gary Oldman are rumored to be under consideration for the role.  For those who don't know, Professor Moriarty is Holmes' arch-nemesis, and was set up as the sequel's antagonist at the end of the first film.

Brad Pitt's name has been mentioned in connection to the part on multiple occasions.  However, if these rumors turn out to be true, then perhaps Ritchie and Warner Bros. have given up the ghost on getting the popular actor.  I think Day-Lewis would be an even better decision.  I also think Oldman would be a solid choice and Bardem's a fascinating pick.  But Penn?  I just can't picture him in the role.  Sherlock Holmes 2 is slated to hit theaters on December 16, 2011.  Filming begins this fall.