Dolittle (2020)
Robert Downey Jr. steps into the role of the legendary animal-whispering doctor in this big-budget family fantasy adventure.
Dolittle - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dolittle
- Release Year: 2020
- Directed by: Stephen Gaghan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Family, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 2, 2020 (CR), January 17, 2020 (United States - PG), January 17, 2020 (Canada), February 7, 2020 (United Kingdom - PG), January 30, 2020 (Germany - 6), February 5, 2020 (France - U), January 17, 2020 (India - UA), January 16, 2020 (New Zealand), January 16, 2020 (Australia - PG), February 20, 2020 (Brazil - 10), January 31, 2020 (Mexico), January 30, 2020 (Italy), January 24, 2020 (Spain - APTA), January 8, 2020 (South Korea - ALL), January 23, 2020 (China)
- Alternative Titles: As Aventuras do Dr. Dolittle (BR), Doktor Dolittle (PL), डूलिटिल (IN), Doctor Dolittle's Voyage (US), 多力特的奇幻冒險 (TW), Doktor Dolittle'in Yolculugu (TR), ドリトル (JP), The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle (NZ)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Team Downey, Perfect World Pictures, Roth-Kirschenbaum Films
- Production Countries: China, United States of America
Dolittle - Plot
After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle, 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 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.
Dolittle - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the adventure come to life:
He's just not a people person.
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Dolittle - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stephen Gaghan
Main Cast
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Harry Collett
- Michael Sheen
- Jim Broadbent
- Antonio Banderas
- Rami Malek
- Jessie Buckley
- Emma Thompson
- John Cena
- Kumail Nanjiani
Writers
- Stephen Gaghan
- Dan Gregor
- Doug Mand
- Thomas Shepherd
Producers
- Joe Roth
- Jeff Kirschenbaum
- Susan Downey
Dolittle - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Dolittle?
Robert Downey Jr. leads the cast as Dr. John Dolittle, joined by Harry Collett and Michael Sheen in live-action roles. The voice cast is equally star-studded, featuring Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, John Cena, Tom Holland, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Octavia Spencer, and Kumail Nanjiani.
Is Dolittle based on a book?
Yes! Dolittle draws from Hugh Lofting's beloved Doctor Dolittle book series, which began with The Story of Doctor Dolittle in 1920. The film reimagines the eccentric, animal-talking physician in a fresh Victorian adventure, though it takes considerable creative liberties with the source material.
What is Dolittle about?
Dolittle follows the reclusive Dr. John Dolittle, who has shut himself away after losing his wife. When Queen Victoria falls dangerously ill, he's pulled out of isolation and embarks on a high-seas quest to a mythical island to find a cure, encountering wild creatures and old enemies along the way.
Why did Dolittle struggle at the box office?
Dolittle had a notoriously troubled production — reshoots, creative overhauls, and a reported $100 million in additional costs plagued the film. Critics found the story incoherent and the tone uneven. Despite a $175 million budget, it earned around $251 million globally, widely considered a financial disappointment for Universal.
What is the age rating for Dolittle?
Dolittle is rated PG in the United States, making it suitable for most family audiences. The film contains mild action, some peril, and a bit of crude humor, but nothing too intense for younger viewers. It's a broadly family-friendly adventure aimed at kids and parents alike.
Where can you stream Dolittle?
You can watch Dolittle on Amazon Prime Video with ads for free, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's also available on USA Network as a flatrate streaming option, giving you plenty of ways to catch the film.
What is the infamous ending scene in Dolittle?
Dolittle's finale features a scene where Dr. Dolittle performs an impromptu medical procedure on a dragon involving flatulence — a moment that became widely mocked by critics and audiences. It's perhaps the most talked-about scene in the film, often cited as emblematic of the movie's chaotic, tonally confused approach.
What movies are similar to Dolittle?
If you enjoyed Dolittle, you might like Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, The Sea Beast, or Dog Man — all family-friendly adventures with plenty of animal charm. For something with a similar talking-animal comedy vibe, Marmaduke and Miss Minoes are worth a look too.
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