Universal’s Doctor Dolittle reboot retitled to ‘Dolittle’

Universal Pictures has announced that the previously announced The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle is now titled simply Dolittle The star-studded film adaptation is scheduled to make its debut next year on January 17, 2020.

The full synopsis (via Vital Thrills) reads: “Robert Downey Jr. electrifies one of literature’s most enduring characters in a vivid reimagining of the classic tale of the man who could talk to animals: Dolittle.’

“After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle (Downey), famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, hermits himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company. But when the young queen (Jessie Buckley, Wild Rose) falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dolittle is forced to set sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island in search of a cure, regaining his wit and courage as he crosses old adversaries and discovers wondrous creatures.’

“The doctor is joined on his quest by a young, self-appointed apprentice (Dunkirk’s Harry Collett) and a raucous coterie of animal friends, including an anxious gorilla (Oscar® winner Rami Malek), an enthusiastic but bird-brained duck (Oscar® winner Octavia Spencer), a bickering duo of a cynical ostrich (The Big Sick’s Kumail Nanjiani) and an upbeat polar bear (John Cena, Bumblebee) and a headstrong parrot (Oscar® winner Emma Thompson), who serves as Dolittle’s most trusted advisor and confidante.”

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Dolittle was directed Stephen Gaghan (Gold, Syriana). The film is produced by Susan Downey of Team Downey along with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum through their Roth/Kirshenbaum Films banner.