Finally — finally! — Universal Pictures has released the first trailer for Dolittle. The trailer stars Robert Downey Jr. in what will be his first major role since exiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe after playing Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, and his first non-Marvel role since 2014's The JudgeDolittle was directed by Stephan Gaghan (Syriana) and also co-wrote the film.

Dolittle is described as a reimagining of the classic story and will tell the tale of a physician and veterinarian living in Victorian England who discovers he can talk to animals. Upon discovering his gift, the good Doctor Dolittle (Downey) sets out to use his power for good in order to search all over the world for a cure to help a young Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) recover from a serious illness while also trying to keep his ability to talk to animals under wraps.

This latest adaptation of the Doctor Dolittle story has been in the works for a long, long time. The project was announced back in March 2017 but has met with some creative setbacks. Reports came out in April 2019 the movie had to undergo a massive reworking, including reshoots, with big concerns from Universal Pictures (who spent $175 million on this puppy before marketing and distribution) about the tone and flow.

Dolittle arrives in theaters on January 17, 2020, co-stars Antonio Banders and Emma Thompson, and features the voice talents of Tom HollandRami MalekOctavia SpencerKumail NanjianiMarion Cotillard, and many more. Watch below:

Here's the official synopsis for 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.

 

The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen (The Queen ) and Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent and features additional voice performances from Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard, Frances de la Tour, Carmen Ejogo, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Tom Holland, and Craig Robinson.

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