Robert Downey Jnr has finally stepped away from his Iron Man role – despite his reported appearance in Black Widow. The star is Oscar-nominated and has played many wacky characters, including Charlie Chaplin and Sherlock Holmes. So it only seems right the next film sees him take on the mantle of Dr Dolittle.
What happens in the trailer for Dolittle?
The trailer for Dolittle gives fans an idea of what to expect – including hilarious talking animals, gorgeous scenery and adventure on the high seas.
The trailer opens with a huge green expanse, with a parrot flying overhead and a giraffe running.
A child walks into a large, stately home to see birds flying around a library, along with monkeys playing with a train set.
The child is shocked, asking whether an unknown figure is “Dr Dolittle.”
Though we do not see the exchange, we see Robert Downey Jnr emerge, as he stares at an old, straw hat and flips it onto his head with style.
His home is incredible, with guards walking in on ostriches, and every room is filled with animals, whether it’s huge tanks of fish or various jungle creatures running around.
But, for a reason which is not entirely explained, Dolittle declares: “We have no choice but to embark on this perilous journey.”
Soon, he and the youngster leave the large house and turn to a type of ark, packing elephants, giraffes and gorillas onto a ship for a sea voyage.
Their journey really is perilous, however, as a pirate ship fires cannonballs at them, and the animals seem to, at least according to the trailer, get captures by a terrifying band of pirates, led by Antonio Banderas.
When asked if Dolittle can speak to animals, he gently replies they “just belong together,” and he certainly does have his way with the creatures.
He dips his head in a tank to discipline some goldfish, while trying to convince a ferocious tiger to refrain from consider him as “lunch” while he is trapped in a jail.
Needless to say, this will be quite the adventure, with the animals taking on characters themselves as they try to assist their master as much as possible, and get to wherever their ship is headed.
What is Dolittle about?
The official synopsis says: “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) 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 (Harry Collett) and a raucous coterie of animal friends, including an anxious gorilla (Rami Malek), an enthusiastic but bird-brained duck (Octavia Spencer), a bickering duo of a cynical ostrich (Kumail Nanjiani) and an upbeat polar bear (John Cena) and a headstrong parrot (Emma Thompson), who serves as Dolittle’s most trusted advisor and confidante.
“The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen and Jim Broadbent and features additional voice performances from Marion Cotillard, Frances de la Tour, Carmen Ejogo, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Tom Holland, and Craig Robinson.”
How can I watch the trailer for Dolittle?
The trailer has been released by Universal, and can be found on YouTube or released by their official channels.
The film also has its own Twitter page, where the movie trailer has been released, as well as on Antonio Banderas’ own account.
Dolittle is out in cinemas on February 7, 2020