With Robert Downey Jr. finally winning an Oscar for Oppenheimer and co-starring in the acclaimed HBO miniseries The Sympathizer, Awfully Good Movies is looking back at Rdj’s first and failed attempt at a post-Marvel franchise in the failed family fantasy Dolittle!
Right after Tony Stark’s epic exit from the MCU, Downey hopped on to star in and co-produce alongside his wife Susan a new adaptation of Hugh Lofting’s children’s book series about the veterinarian who can talk all the languages of his animal patients, this time without any overlong musical numbers from Rex Harrison or silly mugging from Eddie Murphy. However, much like the 1998 version, Dolittle’s animals would be voiced by a huge array of talented actors, including Rdj’s former Avengers co-star Tom Holland and future Oppenheimer co-star Rami Malek, and the long-awaited teaming of Dame Emma Thompson and John Cena that we’ve...
Right after Tony Stark’s epic exit from the MCU, Downey hopped on to star in and co-produce alongside his wife Susan a new adaptation of Hugh Lofting’s children’s book series about the veterinarian who can talk all the languages of his animal patients, this time without any overlong musical numbers from Rex Harrison or silly mugging from Eddie Murphy. However, much like the 1998 version, Dolittle’s animals would be voiced by a huge array of talented actors, including Rdj’s former Avengers co-star Tom Holland and future Oppenheimer co-star Rami Malek, and the long-awaited teaming of Dame Emma Thompson and John Cena that we’ve...
- 5/7/2024
- by Jesse Shade
- JoBlo.com
Robert Downey Jr. is opening up about Dolittle, the 2020 film that was ill-reviewed and has a 15% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
In a recent interview, Downey said the movie directed by Stephen Gaghan and based on Hugh Lofting’s second Doctor Dolittle book was one of the most important films he’s done in the past two decades.
“I finished the Marvel contract and then hastily went into what had all the promise of being another big, fun, well-executed potential franchise in Dolittle,” he told The New York Times Magazine. “I had some reservations. Me and my team seemed a little too excited about the deal and not quite excited enough about the merits of the execution. But at that point I was bulletproof. I was the guru of all genre movies.”
He continued, “Honestly, the two most important films I’ve done in the last 25 years are The Shaggy Dog...
In a recent interview, Downey said the movie directed by Stephen Gaghan and based on Hugh Lofting’s second Doctor Dolittle book was one of the most important films he’s done in the past two decades.
“I finished the Marvel contract and then hastily went into what had all the promise of being another big, fun, well-executed potential franchise in Dolittle,” he told The New York Times Magazine. “I had some reservations. Me and my team seemed a little too excited about the deal and not quite excited enough about the merits of the execution. But at that point I was bulletproof. I was the guru of all genre movies.”
He continued, “Honestly, the two most important films I’ve done in the last 25 years are The Shaggy Dog...
- 7/10/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
On paper, Dolittle must have felt like a sure thing. The big-screen adaptation of Hugh Lofting’s classic Dolittle character was Robert Downey Jr.’s first major project after he exited the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, despite grossing over $250 million worldwide, Dolittle was considered a box-office bomb and a critical disappointment, but Robert Downey Jr. still considers it to be one of the most important films he’s ever made.
Robert Downey Jr. reflected on the failure of Dolittle in a recent New York Times profile. “I finished the Marvel contract and then hastily went into what had all the promise of being another big, fun, well-executed potential franchise in Dolittle,” Downey Jr. explained. “I had some reservations. Me and my team seemed a little too excited about the deal and not quite excited enough about the merits of the execution. But at that point I was bulletproof. I was...
Robert Downey Jr. reflected on the failure of Dolittle in a recent New York Times profile. “I finished the Marvel contract and then hastily went into what had all the promise of being another big, fun, well-executed potential franchise in Dolittle,” Downey Jr. explained. “I had some reservations. Me and my team seemed a little too excited about the deal and not quite excited enough about the merits of the execution. But at that point I was bulletproof. I was...
- 7/10/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
In December on Sky Cinema, Robert Downey Jr. talks to the animals, Sonic the Hedgehog has gotta go fast, and Cats arrives in all its glory.
Check out the full December line-up below…
Premieres
Dolittle (2020) – 4th December
Robert Downey Jr. followed up his long run as Marvel’s Iron Man with this family adventure film based on the kids books by Hugh Lofting. Despite a big supporting cast that includes Emma Thompson, Michael Sheen, Rami Malek and Tom Holland, it’s not brilliant. Any Downey Jr. completists will want to check it out regardless.
Emma (2020) – 5th December
Anya Taylor-Joy leads this new adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel playing Emma Woodhouse, a gal who spends so much time setting up the people she knows with ‘happily ever after’, she forgets about her own romantic possibilities.
Critical Thinking (2020) – 6th December
This 90s-set drama focuses on the story of Cuban-American teacher Mario...
Check out the full December line-up below…
Premieres
Dolittle (2020) – 4th December
Robert Downey Jr. followed up his long run as Marvel’s Iron Man with this family adventure film based on the kids books by Hugh Lofting. Despite a big supporting cast that includes Emma Thompson, Michael Sheen, Rami Malek and Tom Holland, it’s not brilliant. Any Downey Jr. completists will want to check it out regardless.
Emma (2020) – 5th December
Anya Taylor-Joy leads this new adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel playing Emma Woodhouse, a gal who spends so much time setting up the people she knows with ‘happily ever after’, she forgets about her own romantic possibilities.
Critical Thinking (2020) – 6th December
This 90s-set drama focuses on the story of Cuban-American teacher Mario...
- 11/19/2020
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
They always say it is a bit of a bad sign with a project when it keeps getting delayed. Sometimes, a long wait can actually turn in an unexpected classic, other times and (in honesty) more commonly a film is in production that long it begins to lose a sense of what it really is anymore. Unfortunately in the case of Dolittle, a movie based on Hugh Lofting’s beloved character and inspired by his second book “The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle”, it is a case of the latter. As the much-publicised and increasingly baffling production woes, rewrites and inflated budgeting, that supposedly were a constant in making this film, have showed in the final product, which is disappointingly ramshackle in nature.
Mega-star Robert Downey Jr. headlines his first non-mcu lead blockbuster role in years, in a part that seemed perfect, what better way for the animal communicating doctor to be re-introduced to audiences?...
Mega-star Robert Downey Jr. headlines his first non-mcu lead blockbuster role in years, in a part that seemed perfect, what better way for the animal communicating doctor to be re-introduced to audiences?...
- 4/17/2020
- by Jack Bottomley
- The Cultural Post
‘Dolittle’, ‘Birds Of Prey’ among blockbuster openers.
The long-awaited arrival of Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite is the story to watch at the UK box office this weekend.
It grossed £205,000 from 156 sites on Monday, through a Q&a which was live-streamed to venues around the country. This placed it at number two on the chart on that day, behind only Bafta champion1917.
With other previews, the film is at £310,754 going into its first full weekend in UK cinemas. It will open on 136 screens, a sizeable number for a non-English language film, with Curzon in partnership with Studiocanal on the release.
The long-awaited arrival of Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite is the story to watch at the UK box office this weekend.
It grossed £205,000 from 156 sites on Monday, through a Q&a which was live-streamed to venues around the country. This placed it at number two on the chart on that day, behind only Bafta champion1917.
With other previews, the film is at £310,754 going into its first full weekend in UK cinemas. It will open on 136 screens, a sizeable number for a non-English language film, with Curzon in partnership with Studiocanal on the release.
- 2/7/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Deploying a terrible Welsh accent and surrounded by CGI-mouthed animals, the eccentric Victorian gent comes to the aid of the sickly queen
An exotic new film accent has arrived, to be treasured alongside Dick Van Dyke’s Beverly Hills cockney in Mary Poppins, Michael Keaton’s lockjaw Mummersetshire in Much Ado About Nothing and Russell Crowe’s Geordie-Cornish-Glasgow in Robin Hood. Robert Downey Jr has had a crack at being Welsh (or has suffered a minor stroke) in Dolittle, a new version of Hugh Lofting’s novels about the eccentric Victorian gent who talks to the animals.
This is the family movie we didn’t know we needed. Because we really didn’t. The only justification of Dr Dolittle is to facilitate rude jokes in a Viz comic, but he has nonetheless made it to the screen with Eddie Murphy in 1998 and in the 1967 musical with stately Rex Harrison – a...
An exotic new film accent has arrived, to be treasured alongside Dick Van Dyke’s Beverly Hills cockney in Mary Poppins, Michael Keaton’s lockjaw Mummersetshire in Much Ado About Nothing and Russell Crowe’s Geordie-Cornish-Glasgow in Robin Hood. Robert Downey Jr has had a crack at being Welsh (or has suffered a minor stroke) in Dolittle, a new version of Hugh Lofting’s novels about the eccentric Victorian gent who talks to the animals.
This is the family movie we didn’t know we needed. Because we really didn’t. The only justification of Dr Dolittle is to facilitate rude jokes in a Viz comic, but he has nonetheless made it to the screen with Eddie Murphy in 1998 and in the 1967 musical with stately Rex Harrison – a...
- 2/7/2020
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
At the box office, 2019 ended much as 2020 began: Studios are in crisis mode as they try to figure out how to get moviegoers into theaters. This is how Universal came to back two disastrous movies like the $95 million “Cats,” Tom Hooper’s movie version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical blockbuster, and the $175 million “Dolittle,” Stephen Gaghan’s adaptation of the children’s book classic “Dr. Dolittle.”
It’s easy to armchair quarterback. What were they thinking? What was it about these two costly projects that propelled them forward? Didn’t the risks seem obvious?
Here are the reasons why smart people at studios come to back such boneheaded movies.
1. They have global slates to fill.
This is the primary impetus for someone like Donna Langley, a veteran executive who champions edgy movies like “Get Out,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “Fifty Shades of Gray,” and “Queen & Slim,” to push forward...
It’s easy to armchair quarterback. What were they thinking? What was it about these two costly projects that propelled them forward? Didn’t the risks seem obvious?
Here are the reasons why smart people at studios come to back such boneheaded movies.
1. They have global slates to fill.
This is the primary impetus for someone like Donna Langley, a veteran executive who champions edgy movies like “Get Out,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “Fifty Shades of Gray,” and “Queen & Slim,” to push forward...
- 1/22/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
At the box office, 2019 ended much as 2020 began: Studios are in crisis mode as they try to figure out how to get moviegoers into theaters. This is how Universal came to back two disastrous movies like the $95 million “Cats,” Tom Hooper’s movie version of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical blockbuster, and the $175 million “Dolittle,” Stephen Gaghan’s adaptation of the children’s book classic “Dr. Dolittle.”
It’s easy to armchair quarterback. What were they thinking? What was it about these two costly projects that propelled them forward? Didn’t the risks seem obvious?
Here are the reasons why smart people at studios come to back such boneheaded movies.
1. They have global slates to fill.
This is the primary impetus for someone like Donna Langley, a veteran executive who champions edgy movies like “Get Out,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “Fifty Shades of Gray,” and “Queen & Slim,” to push forward...
It’s easy to armchair quarterback. What were they thinking? What was it about these two costly projects that propelled them forward? Didn’t the risks seem obvious?
Here are the reasons why smart people at studios come to back such boneheaded movies.
1. They have global slates to fill.
This is the primary impetus for someone like Donna Langley, a veteran executive who champions edgy movies like “Get Out,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “Fifty Shades of Gray,” and “Queen & Slim,” to push forward...
- 1/22/2020
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Thought it initially surpassed box office expectations, Dolittle is shaping up to be a costly endeavor for Universal Pictures – a studio still reeling from the calamitous Cats, but more on that later.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Robert Downey Jr.’s Dolittle scooped $30 million over the holiday weekend (along with a further $20M overseas), though it’ll take a small miracle for the film to recoup its $175M budget. Why, you ask? Because the CGI-powered adventure film has been torn to shreds by critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 19 percent. That is… problematic.
It’s the latest big-screen interpretation of Hugh Lofting’s novel series, about a doctor who possesses the ability to speak to animals. Sadly, Dolittle lacks most of the humor (and practically all of the magic) of Lofting’s 1920s classic. The result? An expensive misfire for the Powers That Be at Universal, with THR now...
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Robert Downey Jr.’s Dolittle scooped $30 million over the holiday weekend (along with a further $20M overseas), though it’ll take a small miracle for the film to recoup its $175M budget. Why, you ask? Because the CGI-powered adventure film has been torn to shreds by critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 19 percent. That is… problematic.
It’s the latest big-screen interpretation of Hugh Lofting’s novel series, about a doctor who possesses the ability to speak to animals. Sadly, Dolittle lacks most of the humor (and practically all of the magic) of Lofting’s 1920s classic. The result? An expensive misfire for the Powers That Be at Universal, with THR now...
- 1/20/2020
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
by Cláudio Alves
Doctor Dolittle's many literary adventures represent Hugh Lofting's biggest claim to fame. From 1920 to 1952, the English author published around children's books focusing on that eccentric Victorian veterinarian whose studies allowed him to speak to animals. The character is something of an iconic IP, so it's no wonder Hollywood has repeatedly tried to capitalize on its popularity. However, considering all the horrible stories and behind the scenes nightmares associated with these productions, it's a wonder any studio executive even considers putting on another Dolittle extravaganza.
The first of these misbegotten adaptations is a 1967 movie musical that's a good candidate to claim the title of "worst Best Picture Oscar nominee ever"…...
Doctor Dolittle's many literary adventures represent Hugh Lofting's biggest claim to fame. From 1920 to 1952, the English author published around children's books focusing on that eccentric Victorian veterinarian whose studies allowed him to speak to animals. The character is something of an iconic IP, so it's no wonder Hollywood has repeatedly tried to capitalize on its popularity. However, considering all the horrible stories and behind the scenes nightmares associated with these productions, it's a wonder any studio executive even considers putting on another Dolittle extravaganza.
The first of these misbegotten adaptations is a 1967 movie musical that's a good candidate to claim the title of "worst Best Picture Oscar nominee ever"…...
- 1/19/2020
- by Cláudio Alves
- FilmExperience
Universal made a big investment in “Dolittle,” but the adventure comedy is going bust at the box office with a 4-day domestic opening weekend of $30 million and a global opening launch of $50 million. Based on a reported production budget of $175 million, multiple film finance experts tell TheWrap that they currently project a loss of $100 million for the project starring Robert Downey Jr. in his first film appearance since “Avengers: Endgame.”
That would be an even bigger loss than Universal’s other flop from December, “Cats,” which became joke fodder for online film circles, but at least had a smaller budget of around $90-95 million, which kept its financial loss estimates at around $70 million.
There is still a small possibility that “Dolittle” could find an overseas bailout. The film has yet to release in more than 20 markets, including nine more next weekend, France and the U.K. in the first week of February,...
That would be an even bigger loss than Universal’s other flop from December, “Cats,” which became joke fodder for online film circles, but at least had a smaller budget of around $90-95 million, which kept its financial loss estimates at around $70 million.
There is still a small possibility that “Dolittle” could find an overseas bailout. The film has yet to release in more than 20 markets, including nine more next weekend, France and the U.K. in the first week of February,...
- 1/19/2020
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
In the latest edition of Hollywood Insider's ‘Rendezvous At The Premiere’ - we focus on 'Dolittle' premiere. Watch the cast and crew walk the red carpet and give their reactions and views on the film. For more comments, watch the full episode. Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Harry Collett, Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, John Cena, Kumail Nanjiani, Octavia Spencer, Tom Holland, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Marion Cotillard, Jim Broadbent, Jessie Buckley, Frances de la Tour, Carmel Laniado, Jason Mantzoukas, Craig Robinson, Kasia Smutniak. Crew: Stephen Gaghan, Stephen Gaghan, Dan Gregor, Doug Mand, Thomas Shepherd, Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting, Guillermo Navarro.
- 1/19/2020
- by Hollywood Insider Staff Writer
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
In all the Dr. Dolittle movies, based on Hugh Lofting's books, the doctor can talk to animals. However, he doesn't always connect with audiences.
Universal surely hopes its version, Dolittle, out Jan. 17, has a connection more like the 1998 Eddie Murphy comedy hit Dr. Dolittle than the 1967 Rex Harrison musical bomb Doctor Dolittle. That version almost bankrupted 20th Century Fox. What went wrong? Everything.
The film cost three times its original $6 million budget. There was tension on the set as Harrison referred to co-star Anthony Newley as a "Jewish comic" and a "Cockney Jew." Newley ...
Universal surely hopes its version, Dolittle, out Jan. 17, has a connection more like the 1998 Eddie Murphy comedy hit Dr. Dolittle than the 1967 Rex Harrison musical bomb Doctor Dolittle. That version almost bankrupted 20th Century Fox. What went wrong? Everything.
The film cost three times its original $6 million budget. There was tension on the set as Harrison referred to co-star Anthony Newley as a "Jewish comic" and a "Cockney Jew." Newley ...
- 1/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In all the Dr. Dolittle movies, based on Hugh Lofting's books, the doctor can talk to animals. However, he doesn't always connect with audiences.
Universal surely hopes its version, Dolittle, out Jan. 17, has a connection more like the 1998 Eddie Murphy comedy hit Dr. Dolittle than the 1967 Rex Harrison musical bomb Doctor Dolittle. That version almost bankrupted 20th Century Fox. What went wrong? Everything.
The film cost three times its original $6 million budget. There was tension on the set as Harrison referred to co-star Anthony Newley as a "Jewish comic" and a "Cockney Jew." Newley ...
Universal surely hopes its version, Dolittle, out Jan. 17, has a connection more like the 1998 Eddie Murphy comedy hit Dr. Dolittle than the 1967 Rex Harrison musical bomb Doctor Dolittle. That version almost bankrupted 20th Century Fox. What went wrong? Everything.
The film cost three times its original $6 million budget. There was tension on the set as Harrison referred to co-star Anthony Newley as a "Jewish comic" and a "Cockney Jew." Newley ...
- 1/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
For the first Film Club of the year, A.A. Dowd and Katie Rife are taking a look at Dolittle, the wholly unnecessary reboot of Hugh Lofting’s children’s lit series starring Robert Downey Jr. in his first post-Endgame film. Join our critics as they try to figure out who thought this was a good idea, and what the hell…...
- 1/17/2020
- by A.A. Dowd and Katie Rife on Film, shared by A.A. Dowd to The A.V. Club
- avclub.com
Director Stephen Gaghan's "Dolittle" is a fantastical adventure based on the eponymous central character of a series of children's books by Hugh Lofting.
Doctor Dolittle (Downey) is a physician who shuns human patients in favour of animals, with whom he can speak in their language. He later becomes a naturalist, using his abilities to speak with animals to better understand nature and the history of the world. Impressed with his work the Queen of England (Jessie Buckley) gives him a manor in the countryside, which he uses to house all sorts of animals from far and wide.
Over the years, the good doctor falls in love with Lily (Kasia Smutnaik), an adventurous explorer, and together they have adventures around the world. But when Lily attempts to cross the ocean all alone, she perishes in a storm.
Dolittle retreats from the world and squirrels away in his British countryside manor.
Doctor Dolittle (Downey) is a physician who shuns human patients in favour of animals, with whom he can speak in their language. He later becomes a naturalist, using his abilities to speak with animals to better understand nature and the history of the world. Impressed with his work the Queen of England (Jessie Buckley) gives him a manor in the countryside, which he uses to house all sorts of animals from far and wide.
Over the years, the good doctor falls in love with Lily (Kasia Smutnaik), an adventurous explorer, and together they have adventures around the world. But when Lily attempts to cross the ocean all alone, she perishes in a storm.
Dolittle retreats from the world and squirrels away in his British countryside manor.
- 1/17/2020
- GlamSham
Only less than three weeks into the new year and there’s a new flick opening today celebrating the centennial of a much-beloved character of children’s literature. Yes, the medical man who could “talk to the animals” arrived on the printed page, with words and pictures by Hugh Lofting, way back in 1920. It would seem that such a fantastical creation would get scooped up by the fledgling cinema arts. And in 1928 he was the star of a silent animated short by the legendary Lotte Reiniger. Aside from an early thirties NBC radio show he stayed on the shelves of bookstores for over 30 years until the execs at Twentieth Century Fox, encouraged by the “boffo” box office numbers generated by Mary Poppins and The Sound Of Music, produced an epic “mega-musical” event. And though it earned two Oscars (for Best Song and Best Visual Effects) Doctor Dolittle almost bankrupted the studio.
- 1/16/2020
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Critics were already stunned and perplexed when Robert Downey Jr. chose to follow-up his stint in the Marvel films to star in “Dolittle,” and they’re even more confused after seeing the film that they’re calling a “calamity for the ages” and a “haphazard mess.”
Universal Pictures’ “Dolittle,” a family-friendly adventure comedy from director Stephen Gaghan based on Hugh Lofting’s beloved children’s character who can talk to animals, has just a 13% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 67 reviews. Critics who saw the film have called attention to its extensive reshoots and revisions, though for some even that doesn’t explain how much they hated it.
And perhaps unlike Universal’s other CGI-heavy and furry misfire “Cats,” “Dolittle” might not even fall into so-bad-its-good territory.
Also Read: 'Dolittle' Film Review: Robert Downey Jr. Can Talk to the Animals, But You'll Wish He Wouldn't
“Every frame, every cut feels off.
Universal Pictures’ “Dolittle,” a family-friendly adventure comedy from director Stephen Gaghan based on Hugh Lofting’s beloved children’s character who can talk to animals, has just a 13% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 67 reviews. Critics who saw the film have called attention to its extensive reshoots and revisions, though for some even that doesn’t explain how much they hated it.
And perhaps unlike Universal’s other CGI-heavy and furry misfire “Cats,” “Dolittle” might not even fall into so-bad-its-good territory.
Also Read: 'Dolittle' Film Review: Robert Downey Jr. Can Talk to the Animals, But You'll Wish He Wouldn't
“Every frame, every cut feels off.
- 1/16/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Robert Downey, Jr. talks to the animals in Dolittle, an object lesson in cinematic incoherence that would be easy to dismiss as a hot mess if it could even raise a temperature. Instead, this out-and-out disaster dissolves in a puddle of botched intentions that will leave children sad and confused and adults scratching their heads. Dr. John Dolittle, the beloved British veterinarian created by author Hugh Lofting a century ago, has been previously used and abused by Hollywood, first in 1967 with a soporific musical version starring Rex Harrison, and later...
- 1/16/2020
- by Peter Travers
- Rollingstone.com
It’s been more than half a century since Rex Harrison spoke (and sang!) to animals as author Hugh Lofting’s eloquent veterinarian, and just over two decades since Eddie Murphy gave his own goofy modern portrayal. That’s enough time for Dr. Dolittle to fade from kid audiences’ collective consciousness, and just the right amount for Lofting’s first two books to enter the public domain, which explains why a new studio — Universal, where the two earlier incarnations hailed from Fox — has opted to revive the character yet again, this time enlisting the intensely charismatic actor Robert Downey Jr. to play the title role.
Trouble is, this latest “Dolittle” is downright sloppy. Director Stephen Gaghan’s period-set overhaul of the literary classic proves to be as predictable as it is obnoxious. In its defense, the film evokes an arm’s-length connection with its cute CG creature coterie and delivers heartening messages about psychological trauma,...
Trouble is, this latest “Dolittle” is downright sloppy. Director Stephen Gaghan’s period-set overhaul of the literary classic proves to be as predictable as it is obnoxious. In its defense, the film evokes an arm’s-length connection with its cute CG creature coterie and delivers heartening messages about psychological trauma,...
- 1/15/2020
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety Film + TV
Rex Harrison famously endured getting urinated upon by real sheep during the filming of the 1967 musical “Doctor Dolittle,” while the 2020 version of “Dolittle” sees Robert Downey Jr. removing bagpipes from a CG dragon’s rectum before receiving a faceful of gastric wind as a reward.
Whichever actor had it worse, it’s the audience who loses. Downey’s revival of Hugh Lofting’s legendary loquacious veterinarian, one who can communicate with any member of any species, splats onto the screen like horse dung, with few laughs and no charm. Even the actor’s legendary charisma, which this project sorely needed, gets tamped down by making a depressed widower the hero of a kiddie movie and by having that widower mumble in an accent that’s possibly Welsh, perhaps Irish, maybe Scottish, but definitely the enemy of comedy.
“Dolittle” doesn’t have a fraction of the verve of the similarly misguided “Cats,...
Whichever actor had it worse, it’s the audience who loses. Downey’s revival of Hugh Lofting’s legendary loquacious veterinarian, one who can communicate with any member of any species, splats onto the screen like horse dung, with few laughs and no charm. Even the actor’s legendary charisma, which this project sorely needed, gets tamped down by making a depressed widower the hero of a kiddie movie and by having that widower mumble in an accent that’s possibly Welsh, perhaps Irish, maybe Scottish, but definitely the enemy of comedy.
“Dolittle” doesn’t have a fraction of the verve of the similarly misguided “Cats,...
- 1/15/2020
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Robert Downey Jr. knows a thing or two about defying expectations. It can be hard to remember in the aftermath of “Avengers,” but the decision to cast him as the goateed face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was something of a head-scratcher before “Iron Man” was forged into the world-eating mega-franchise that reshaped all of moviedom in its image. So if you’re wondering why Downey agreed to star in and produce an $175 million kids movie written and directed by the man behind winsome family entertainment like “Traffic” and “Syriana”…well, maybe Downey knows that some people just need the chance to be seen in a different light.
Sadly, this isn’t the right hue for Stephen Gaghan. — albeit one that cleaves a bit closer to the dyspeptic spirit and Victorian setting of Hugh Lofting’s stories than the Eddie Murphy version ever did — Gaghan’s “Dolittle” has been assembled...
Sadly, this isn’t the right hue for Stephen Gaghan. — albeit one that cleaves a bit closer to the dyspeptic spirit and Victorian setting of Hugh Lofting’s stories than the Eddie Murphy version ever did — Gaghan’s “Dolittle” has been assembled...
- 1/15/2020
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
The Avengers star opts for a dodgy Welsh accent in an uninspiring if not entirely unwatchable new take on the animal-friendly doctor
Every imaginable indicator suggested that Dolittle, the umpteenth attempt to bring Hugh Lofting’s animal-obsessed doctor to the screen, would be a howling disaster. Putting aside the sheer redundancy of yet another retelling, it’s a film shot two years ago that test audiences hated, leading to reshoots the year after (with the help of a second director). That resulted in two release dates being missed, leaving us with an ominous January bow here in the Us, a month typically associated with movies that closely resemble pungent dumpster fires.
Related: Bad Boys for Life review – odd-couple Miami cops back with a blast...
Every imaginable indicator suggested that Dolittle, the umpteenth attempt to bring Hugh Lofting’s animal-obsessed doctor to the screen, would be a howling disaster. Putting aside the sheer redundancy of yet another retelling, it’s a film shot two years ago that test audiences hated, leading to reshoots the year after (with the help of a second director). That resulted in two release dates being missed, leaving us with an ominous January bow here in the Us, a month typically associated with movies that closely resemble pungent dumpster fires.
Related: Bad Boys for Life review – odd-couple Miami cops back with a blast...
- 1/15/2020
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
The reviews for Dolittle are in — and, for the most part, critics aren't impressed.
The Universal Studios film is Robert Downey Jr.'s first big project since his retirement from playing Iron Man for Marvel Studios last year and comes from director Stephen Gaghan. Dolittle is an adaptation of the 1920s children's book by Hugh Lofting, Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Dolittle — which currently sits at a 17 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes — is set in Victorian England and picks up seven years after Downey's Dolittle, an eccentric doctor who can communicate with animals,...
The Universal Studios film is Robert Downey Jr.'s first big project since his retirement from playing Iron Man for Marvel Studios last year and comes from director Stephen Gaghan. Dolittle is an adaptation of the 1920s children's book by Hugh Lofting, Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Dolittle — which currently sits at a 17 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes — is set in Victorian England and picks up seven years after Downey's Dolittle, an eccentric doctor who can communicate with animals,...
- 1/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The reviews for Dolittle are in — and, for the most part, critics aren't impressed.
The Universal Studios film is Robert Downey Jr.'s first big project since his retirement from playing Iron Man for Marvel Studios last year and comes from director Stephen Gaghan. Dolittle is an adaptation of the 1920s children's book by Hugh Lofting, Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Dolittle — which currently sits at a 17 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes — is set in Victorian England and picks up seven years after Downey's Dolittle, an eccentric doctor who can communicate with animals,...
The Universal Studios film is Robert Downey Jr.'s first big project since his retirement from playing Iron Man for Marvel Studios last year and comes from director Stephen Gaghan. Dolittle is an adaptation of the 1920s children's book by Hugh Lofting, Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Dolittle — which currently sits at a 17 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes — is set in Victorian England and picks up seven years after Downey's Dolittle, an eccentric doctor who can communicate with animals,...
- 1/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rami Malek and Robert Downey Jr. are reminiscing about the beginning of their friendship.
While Downey Jr., 54, filled in as a guest host for Tuesday’s episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he sat down for an interview with Malek, his costar in the upcoming movie Dolittle. At the beginning of their interview, the Avengers: Endgame star revealed he was a longtime fan of Malek and his work on the television series Mr. Robot.
“I was such a fan of Mr. Robot, I basically emailed you, and I was serial texting you and I was trying to FaceTime you and...
While Downey Jr., 54, filled in as a guest host for Tuesday’s episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he sat down for an interview with Malek, his costar in the upcoming movie Dolittle. At the beginning of their interview, the Avengers: Endgame star revealed he was a longtime fan of Malek and his work on the television series Mr. Robot.
“I was such a fan of Mr. Robot, I basically emailed you, and I was serial texting you and I was trying to FaceTime you and...
- 1/14/2020
- by Helen Murphy
- PEOPLE.com
Now that Robert Downey Jr. has officially retired from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the actor has a lot more time on his hands to try new things. And while the upcoming Dolittle may seem like an unusual choice for Downey’s first post-Iron Man big screen outing, the star and his wife Susan have cited a few personal reasons for getting involved in the latest adaptation of Hugh Lofting’s fantasy book series.
Stephen Gaghan’s Dolittle was co-produced by Susan Downey, who recently sat down with her husband for an interview with Extra. As well as raising two children together, the couple have adopted an assortment of animals who live on the grounds of their Malibu home, and according to Robert, these creatures were part of the reason why he was on board to play the famed John Dolittle:
“I always go ‘Why this movie, why now, why bother?...
Stephen Gaghan’s Dolittle was co-produced by Susan Downey, who recently sat down with her husband for an interview with Extra. As well as raising two children together, the couple have adopted an assortment of animals who live on the grounds of their Malibu home, and according to Robert, these creatures were part of the reason why he was on board to play the famed John Dolittle:
“I always go ‘Why this movie, why now, why bother?...
- 1/12/2020
- by David Pountain
- We Got This Covered
Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) can talk to just about any animal out there; ducks, polar bears, squirrels, giraffes, and more, but can he talk to a dragon? The latest trailer for Universal Pictures' new adaptation of the classic literary character created by Hugh Lofting gives us Robert Downey Jr.'s latest accent, a host of talking animals voiced by celebrities, as well…...
- 1/4/2020
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Robert Downey Jr. had an incredible 2019, as he got to save the universe in Avengers: Endgame, sacrificing himself in the process. It was the most memorable moment of the biggest movie of the year (and of all time) and there wasn’t a dry eye in theaters around the world. So, how can he possibly top that for 2020? Well, in Dolittle he’ll be talking in a dodgy Welsh accent to a hat-wearing polar bear voiced by John Cena.
Despite Downey Jr. being a nuclear bomb of charisma, hype for Dolittle has been extremely muted so far. That may be a result of the film’s notoriously protracted development cycle, though. Downey Jr. and his production company originally announced their intentions to adapt the classic Hugh Lofting book The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle back in 2017, with Stephen Gaghan directing and the shoot taking place in early 2018 for a May 2019 release.
Despite Downey Jr. being a nuclear bomb of charisma, hype for Dolittle has been extremely muted so far. That may be a result of the film’s notoriously protracted development cycle, though. Downey Jr. and his production company originally announced their intentions to adapt the classic Hugh Lofting book The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle back in 2017, with Stephen Gaghan directing and the shoot taking place in early 2018 for a May 2019 release.
- 1/3/2020
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
Sneak Peek the new 'fantasy adventure' comedy feature "Dolittle", directed by Stephen Gaghan, based on the character 'Doctor Dolittle' created by Hugh Lofting, starring Robert Downey Jr. ("Iron Man"), Antonio Banderas and Michael Sheen in live action roles, plus voice cast actors Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, John Cena, Kumail Nanjiani, Octavia Spencer, Tom Holland, Craig Robinson, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez and Marion Cotillard, opening January 17, 2020:
"...after losing his wife seven years earlier, eccentric 'Dr. John Dolittle' (Downey Jr.)...
"...famed doctor and veterinarian of Victorian England...
"...hermits himself away behind the high walls of 'Dolittle Manor' ...
"...with only his menagerie of animals for company.
"But when 'Queen Victoria' (Jessie Buckley) 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 encounters wondrous creatures.
"...after losing his wife seven years earlier, eccentric 'Dr. John Dolittle' (Downey Jr.)...
"...famed doctor and veterinarian of Victorian England...
"...hermits himself away behind the high walls of 'Dolittle Manor' ...
"...with only his menagerie of animals for company.
"But when 'Queen Victoria' (Jessie Buckley) 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 encounters wondrous creatures.
- 11/28/2019
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Robert Downey Jr. can do pretty much anything he wants thanks to leading the Marvel Cinematic Universe for a decade, and it seems that the first thing he wants to do now that he's free from the mantle of Iron Man is talk to animals. The upcoming Dolittle is the latest big-screen adaptation of Hugh Lofting's series of Doctor Dolittle novels and finds Downey Jr. starring…...
- 11/27/2019
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Must-watch Trailers Dolittle invites you to a wonderful world: Universal shared the first look at Dolittle, the latest movie based on Hugh Lofting’s classic children’s books about a doctor who talks to animals. See Robert Downey Jr. in the title role of the family adventure, which opens January 17, 2020: Bombshell presents a real-life bad guy: Lionsgate dropped the first full Bombshell trailer featuring Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron and Margot Robbie...
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- 10/18/2019
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
It’s a weird but wonderful world as the rebooted animal lover bangs on in a bizarre Welsh accent to his marauding menagerie
Robert Downey Jr’s life comes in easily identifiable chunks. First, he had it all – the most talented actor of his generation. Then he lost it all spectacularly in a blaze of drugs and jail sentences. Then he regained everything a hundred times over, becoming the world’s richest and most beloved star in a string of films that made heavy use of his personality. And now comes the next stage, in which he does a bizarre Welsh accent at a polar bear in a hat. That’s right, the trailer for Dolittle is out.
In Dolittle, Robert Downey Jr plays Doctor Dolittle, a man who can converse with animals. It’s based on Hugh Lofting’s book The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, and not The Story of Doctor Dolittle.
Robert Downey Jr’s life comes in easily identifiable chunks. First, he had it all – the most talented actor of his generation. Then he lost it all spectacularly in a blaze of drugs and jail sentences. Then he regained everything a hundred times over, becoming the world’s richest and most beloved star in a string of films that made heavy use of his personality. And now comes the next stage, in which he does a bizarre Welsh accent at a polar bear in a hat. That’s right, the trailer for Dolittle is out.
In Dolittle, Robert Downey Jr plays Doctor Dolittle, a man who can converse with animals. It’s based on Hugh Lofting’s book The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, and not The Story of Doctor Dolittle.
- 10/15/2019
- by Stuart Heritage
- The Guardian - Film News
Robert Downey Jr. has a new set of superpowers — and a pair of mutton chops — in the first look at his latest movie role.
The Avengers star may have packed away his Iron Man suit, but now Downey Jr. has a knack for talking to members of the animal kingdom in Dolittle.
Based on a series of 1920s children’s books by Hugh Lofting, Dolittle follows the famed fictional physician, now a widower who keeps his animal friends as company, as he rediscovers his courage on a quest to find a cure for an ailing queen.
“I’ve been talking...
The Avengers star may have packed away his Iron Man suit, but now Downey Jr. has a knack for talking to members of the animal kingdom in Dolittle.
Based on a series of 1920s children’s books by Hugh Lofting, Dolittle follows the famed fictional physician, now a widower who keeps his animal friends as company, as he rediscovers his courage on a quest to find a cure for an ailing queen.
“I’ve been talking...
- 10/14/2019
- by Lindsay Kimble
- PEOPLE.com
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.
In theaters January 17, 2020, watch the first trailer from Universal Pictures.
This looks fabulous and Rdj was born to play the character.
There have been other cinematic versions. The classic 1967 movie starred Rex Harrison as John Dolittle and was a Best Picture nominee.
The musical film directed by Richard Fleischer also featured Samantha Eggar, Anthony Newley and Richard Attenborough. It was adapted by Leslie Bricusse from the novel series by Hugh Lofting. It primarily fused three of the books The Story of Doctor Dolittle, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, and Doctor Dolittle’s Circus.
Check out this clip.
The movie from 1998 starred Eddie Murphy. Check it out if you get a chance.
In this updated version:
After losing his wife seven years earlier,...
In theaters January 17, 2020, watch the first trailer from Universal Pictures.
This looks fabulous and Rdj was born to play the character.
There have been other cinematic versions. The classic 1967 movie starred Rex Harrison as John Dolittle and was a Best Picture nominee.
The musical film directed by Richard Fleischer also featured Samantha Eggar, Anthony Newley and Richard Attenborough. It was adapted by Leslie Bricusse from the novel series by Hugh Lofting. It primarily fused three of the books The Story of Doctor Dolittle, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, and Doctor Dolittle’s Circus.
Check out this clip.
The movie from 1998 starred Eddie Murphy. Check it out if you get a chance.
In this updated version:
After losing his wife seven years earlier,...
- 10/14/2019
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Robert Downey Jr. is ready for a voyage in the first trailer for Dolittle.
The film is Downey's first big project following his retirement from playing Iron Man for Marvel Studios earlier this year and comes from director Stephen Gaghan. Dolittle is an adaptation of the 1920s children's book by Hugh Lofting, Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Dolittle is set in Victorian England and picks up seven years after Downey's Dolittle, an eccentric doctor who can speak to animals, lost his wife. In the years since, he has sequestered himself in his home, Dolittle Manor, with only animals to ...
The film is Downey's first big project following his retirement from playing Iron Man for Marvel Studios earlier this year and comes from director Stephen Gaghan. Dolittle is an adaptation of the 1920s children's book by Hugh Lofting, Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Dolittle is set in Victorian England and picks up seven years after Downey's Dolittle, an eccentric doctor who can speak to animals, lost his wife. In the years since, he has sequestered himself in his home, Dolittle Manor, with only animals to ...
- 10/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Robert Downey Jr. is ready for a voyage in the first trailer for Dolittle.
The film is Downey's first big project following his retirement from playing Iron Man for Marvel Studios earlier this year and comes from director Stephen Gaghan. Dolittle is an adaptation of the 1920s children's book by Hugh Lofting, Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Dolittle is set in Victorian England and picks up seven years after Downey's Dolittle, an eccentric doctor who can speak to animals, lost his wife. In the years since, he has sequestered himself in his home, Dolittle Manor, with only animals to ...
The film is Downey's first big project following his retirement from playing Iron Man for Marvel Studios earlier this year and comes from director Stephen Gaghan. Dolittle is an adaptation of the 1920s children's book by Hugh Lofting, Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Dolittle is set in Victorian England and picks up seven years after Downey's Dolittle, an eccentric doctor who can speak to animals, lost his wife. In the years since, he has sequestered himself in his home, Dolittle Manor, with only animals to ...
- 10/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Talking animals played a major part of Universal's CineEurope presentation, which opened the second day of the Barcelona trade show.
Via an extended video message from the set of The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, Robert Downey Jr. gave the latest big-screen adaptation of Hugh Lofting's children's books a major boost. The film — which boasts an extensive A-list voice cast including Emma Thompson, Octavia Spencer, Rami Malek, Tom Holland and Selena Gomez — is due for release on April 12, 2019, with Downey saying he expected it to be a future franchise.
From Universal's Illumination Entertainment ...
Via an extended video message from the set of The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, Robert Downey Jr. gave the latest big-screen adaptation of Hugh Lofting's children's books a major boost. The film — which boasts an extensive A-list voice cast including Emma Thompson, Octavia Spencer, Rami Malek, Tom Holland and Selena Gomez — is due for release on April 12, 2019, with Downey saying he expected it to be a future franchise.
From Universal's Illumination Entertainment ...
- 6/12/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Talking animals played a major part of Universal's CineEurope presentation, which opened the second day of the Barcelona trade show.
Via an extended video message from the set of The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, Robert Downey Jr. gave the latest big-screen adaptation of Hugh Lofting's children's books a major boost. The film — which boasts an extensive A-list voice cast including Emma Thompson, Octavia Spencer, Rami Malek, Tom Holland and Selena Gomez — is due for release on April 12, 2019, with Downey saying he expected it to be a future franchise.
From Universal's Illumination Entertainment ...
Via an extended video message from the set of The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, Robert Downey Jr. gave the latest big-screen adaptation of Hugh Lofting's children's books a major boost. The film — which boasts an extensive A-list voice cast including Emma Thompson, Octavia Spencer, Rami Malek, Tom Holland and Selena Gomez — is due for release on April 12, 2019, with Downey saying he expected it to be a future franchise.
From Universal's Illumination Entertainment ...
- 6/12/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A complete new voice cast list has been revealed for Universal Pictures live-action animation hybrid, The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, the latest franchise vehicle for Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. leads the film as the physician who can speak with animals, Doctor Dolittle. Antonio Banderas will play a pirate named Rassouli and Michael Sheen plays Mudfly, two of the live-action roles alongside Downey.
Also in the news – Joel Edgerton joins Timothee Chalamet on cast of Netflix’s The King
The newest actors to join the film are Rami Malek as Chee-Chee the gorilla, Octavia Spencer as Dab-Dab the duck, Kumail Nanjiani as Plimpton the ostrich, John Cena as Yoshi the Polar Bear, Marion Cotillard as Tutu the fox, Carmen Ejogo as Regine the Lioness, Craig Robinson as Fleming the mouse, and Frances de la Tour in an unspecified role.
Previously, we reported that Emma Thompson will voice Polynesia the parrot,...
Robert Downey Jr. leads the film as the physician who can speak with animals, Doctor Dolittle. Antonio Banderas will play a pirate named Rassouli and Michael Sheen plays Mudfly, two of the live-action roles alongside Downey.
Also in the news – Joel Edgerton joins Timothee Chalamet on cast of Netflix’s The King
The newest actors to join the film are Rami Malek as Chee-Chee the gorilla, Octavia Spencer as Dab-Dab the duck, Kumail Nanjiani as Plimpton the ostrich, John Cena as Yoshi the Polar Bear, Marion Cotillard as Tutu the fox, Carmen Ejogo as Regine the Lioness, Craig Robinson as Fleming the mouse, and Frances de la Tour in an unspecified role.
Previously, we reported that Emma Thompson will voice Polynesia the parrot,...
- 3/28/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Doctor is in, and ready to speak with a rather large cast of animals, in the new Voyage of Doctor Dolittle.
Robert Downey Jr. is set to take up the mantle of Dr. Dolittle, in another remake of the classic film by the same name. Based on Hugh Lofting’s 1920's children's books, The Voyage Of Dr. Dolittle will reimagine the tale of a doctor who discovers that he can not only hear animals speaking to him, but he can talk to them as well.
The original film came out in 1967, and was then famously remade by comedic legend Eddie Murphy in 1998. The remake spawned a theatrical sequel, and a few direct-dvd sequels. Now as it looks like Robert Downey Jr. attempts to fill the shoes of Eddie Murphy, he has recently dropped the entire voice cast of the film.
Universal/Comcast Corp confirmed Rdj’s tweet about the voice cast,...
Robert Downey Jr. is set to take up the mantle of Dr. Dolittle, in another remake of the classic film by the same name. Based on Hugh Lofting’s 1920's children's books, The Voyage Of Dr. Dolittle will reimagine the tale of a doctor who discovers that he can not only hear animals speaking to him, but he can talk to them as well.
The original film came out in 1967, and was then famously remade by comedic legend Eddie Murphy in 1998. The remake spawned a theatrical sequel, and a few direct-dvd sequels. Now as it looks like Robert Downey Jr. attempts to fill the shoes of Eddie Murphy, he has recently dropped the entire voice cast of the film.
Universal/Comcast Corp confirmed Rdj’s tweet about the voice cast,...
- 3/27/2018
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (B.C.)
- Cinelinx
Selena Gomez has been hard at work, and not just with her music career. The former Disney star is set to appear in Woody Allen’s upcoming film A Rainy Day in New York, the third installment of the animated film Hotel Transylvania and now has a new big-screen project under way. Gomez has joined the cast of The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, which is slated to release in 2019, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The “Bad Liar” singer joins Robert Downey Jr., Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen and a voice cast that includes Spider-Man: Homecoming‘s Tom Holland, Emma Thompson and Ralph Fiennes.
The “Bad Liar” singer joins Robert Downey Jr., Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen and a voice cast that includes Spider-Man: Homecoming‘s Tom Holland, Emma Thompson and Ralph Fiennes.
- 2/9/2018
- by Thatiana Diaz
- PEOPLE.com
Author: Zehra Phelan
A whole host of names have jumped on board Universal Pictures live-action animation hybrid, The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, the latest franchise vehicle for Robert Downey Jr.
After taking Tom Holland under his wing in last year’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, Downey will be teaming up with Holland as well as Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen and Selena Gomez.
Robert Downey Jr. leads the film as the physician who can speak with animals, Doctor Dolittle. Banderas will play a pirate named Rassouli and Sheen plays Mudfly, two of the live-action roles alongside Downey. The other four will voice talking animals.
Traffic and Syriana’s Stephen Gaghan will direct from a script he has penned. While Alice In Wonderland and Snow White and the Huntsman’s Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum will produce alongside Susan Downey.
The film will be based on the 1922 book by Hugh Lofting,...
A whole host of names have jumped on board Universal Pictures live-action animation hybrid, The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, the latest franchise vehicle for Robert Downey Jr.
After taking Tom Holland under his wing in last year’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, Downey will be teaming up with Holland as well as Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen and Selena Gomez.
Robert Downey Jr. leads the film as the physician who can speak with animals, Doctor Dolittle. Banderas will play a pirate named Rassouli and Sheen plays Mudfly, two of the live-action roles alongside Downey. The other four will voice talking animals.
Traffic and Syriana’s Stephen Gaghan will direct from a script he has penned. While Alice In Wonderland and Snow White and the Huntsman’s Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum will produce alongside Susan Downey.
The film will be based on the 1922 book by Hugh Lofting,...
- 2/7/2018
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
It was first announced that Robert Downey Jr. would be filling the role of Doctor John Dolittle in a new adaption of the Hugh Lofting children's book series early last year, and now it has been announced that a large group of actors will be joining him in his talking animal adventures. THR reports that Selena Gomez has signed on to join The Voyage Of Doctor Dolittle, with... Read More...
- 2/7/2018
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Simon Brew Joseph Baxter Jan 3, 2020
Robert Downey Jr. leaves Tony Stark behind to star as Doctor Dolittle in the reboot movie, Dolittle.
The character of Doctor Dolittle hasn’t been on the big screen since the two hit movies starring (the recently-resurgent) Eddie Murphy arrived nearly 20 years ago. However, the timeless tale of the scientist who can talk to animals is ready start a new dialogue as star Robert Downey Jr.'s movie vehicle, Dolittle.
Dolittle, previously called The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, presents Robert Downey Jr. as the titular hero as he embarks upon a Noah-like adventure with a whole host of animals to chat with.
The film, a production of Universal Studios, was directed by Academy Award-winner Stephen Gaghan. Downey Jr. served as executive producer on the project as well.
Dolittle Relase Date
Dolittle hits theaters on January 17.
The film was previously scheduled to arrive on April 12, 2019, but...
Robert Downey Jr. leaves Tony Stark behind to star as Doctor Dolittle in the reboot movie, Dolittle.
The character of Doctor Dolittle hasn’t been on the big screen since the two hit movies starring (the recently-resurgent) Eddie Murphy arrived nearly 20 years ago. However, the timeless tale of the scientist who can talk to animals is ready start a new dialogue as star Robert Downey Jr.'s movie vehicle, Dolittle.
Dolittle, previously called The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, presents Robert Downey Jr. as the titular hero as he embarks upon a Noah-like adventure with a whole host of animals to chat with.
The film, a production of Universal Studios, was directed by Academy Award-winner Stephen Gaghan. Downey Jr. served as executive producer on the project as well.
Dolittle Relase Date
Dolittle hits theaters on January 17.
The film was previously scheduled to arrive on April 12, 2019, but...
- 12/14/2017
- Den of Geek
Simon Brew Oct 1, 2018
The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle is crowded with a whole lot of talent, including Tom Holland, Kumail Nanjiani, Selena Gomez, and more.
The character of Doctor Dolittle hasn’t been seen on the big screen since the pair of hit Eddie Murphy movies nearly 20 years ago. But the tale of a scientist who could talk to animals is ready to begin a dialogue once more as Robert Downey Jr.'s star vehicle, The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, continues to gain steam in the casting department at Universal Pictures.
The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle Cast
Robert Downey Jr. took to Twitter to reveal the entire voice cast of Doctor Dolittle, which in addition to the previously announced Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, and Tom Holland, will now also include the likes of Octavia Spencer, Carmen Ejogo, Craig Robinson, John Cena, Kumail Nanjiani, Selena Gomez, and much, much more...
I...
The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle is crowded with a whole lot of talent, including Tom Holland, Kumail Nanjiani, Selena Gomez, and more.
The character of Doctor Dolittle hasn’t been seen on the big screen since the pair of hit Eddie Murphy movies nearly 20 years ago. But the tale of a scientist who could talk to animals is ready to begin a dialogue once more as Robert Downey Jr.'s star vehicle, The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, continues to gain steam in the casting department at Universal Pictures.
The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle Cast
Robert Downey Jr. took to Twitter to reveal the entire voice cast of Doctor Dolittle, which in addition to the previously announced Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, and Tom Holland, will now also include the likes of Octavia Spencer, Carmen Ejogo, Craig Robinson, John Cena, Kumail Nanjiani, Selena Gomez, and much, much more...
I...
- 12/14/2017
- Den of Geek
Thanks almost entirely to the “Avengers” series and its various offshoots — this summer’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming” will mark his eighth Marvel Cinematic Universe movie in ten years — Robert Downey Jr. is one of the biggest stars in the world these days. But even outside those films, Downey Jr. is a force to be reckoned with — only “The Judge” really underperformed in recent years — especially when he’s in commercial territory like “Sherlock Holmes.”
So you’d think that the recently announced “The Voyage Of Doctor Dolittle,” which will see Downey Jr walk with the animals, talk to the animals as Hugh Lofting’s adventurous hero (previously played by Rex Harrison and Eddie Murphy on screen), would be a somewhat fearless box-office force, and studio Universal had put the movie down for a prime Memorial Day 2019 date a few weeks ago.
Continue reading Robert Downey Jr’s ‘Doctor Dolittle’ Decides It...
So you’d think that the recently announced “The Voyage Of Doctor Dolittle,” which will see Downey Jr walk with the animals, talk to the animals as Hugh Lofting’s adventurous hero (previously played by Rex Harrison and Eddie Murphy on screen), would be a somewhat fearless box-office force, and studio Universal had put the movie down for a prime Memorial Day 2019 date a few weeks ago.
Continue reading Robert Downey Jr’s ‘Doctor Dolittle’ Decides It...
- 5/2/2017
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
Universal Pictures' has moved its untitled Doctor Dolittle movie with Robert Downey Jr. up six weeks from May 24, 2019, to April 12. Previously known as The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, the project had been set to open against Disney’s Star Wars: Episode IX. Directed by Stephen Gaghan (Syriana) and based on the tales by Hugh Lofting, the Dolittle project will be produced by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum under their Roth/Kirschenbaum Films (Alice in Wonderland, Maleficent)…...
- 4/28/2017
- Deadline
Universal’s upcoming Doctor Dolittle project, which will star Robert Downey Jr., has a new release date.
The feature, which Universal picked up in March, was slated to open May 24, 2019, but has now been moved up to April 12, 2019.
The studio was “Forced” to change the release, as earlier this week, Disney and Lucasfilm booked May 24, 2019, as the opening date for its juggernaut Star Wars: Episode IX.
Described as a “sweeping adventure” by the studio, Dolittle is based on the character from the 1920s series of children’s books by Hugh Lofting. The stories follow the eccentric...
The feature, which Universal picked up in March, was slated to open May 24, 2019, but has now been moved up to April 12, 2019.
The studio was “Forced” to change the release, as earlier this week, Disney and Lucasfilm booked May 24, 2019, as the opening date for its juggernaut Star Wars: Episode IX.
Described as a “sweeping adventure” by the studio, Dolittle is based on the character from the 1920s series of children’s books by Hugh Lofting. The stories follow the eccentric...
- 4/28/2017
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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