Summary
- Dolittle brings to life a classic children's tale with a stellar voice cast and live-action allure, marking RDJ's return to the screen.
- While it bombed at the box office, the film's true magic lies in its enchanting cadre of CGI animals and an all-star voice cast.
- A celebration of conversing with animals, Dolittle injects a family-oriented zest with a diverse and talented vocal ensemble.
Starring the charismatic Robert Downey Jr. as the titular character, Dolittle marries a stellar voice cast with its live-action allure. Helmed by Stephen Gaghan and drawing inspiration from Hugh Lofting's classic 1922 children's tale, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, this live-action/CGI spectacle marks Downey Jr.'s much-anticipated return to the silver screen following his epic swan song in the previous year's cinematic titan, Avengers: Endgame.
While Dolittle boasts on-screen talents such as Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Jim Broadbent, and Jessie Buckley, the film's true magic lies in its enchanting cadre of CGI animals, brought to life by an all-star voice cast. Though Dolittle bombed at the box office, Universal Pictures assembled a veritable who's who of vocal talent, animating everything from polar bears to squirrels, and even a dragon, with familiar voices. At its heart, Dolittle is a celebration of the age-old fantasy of conversing with animals, with the Dolittle voice cast injecting a distinctive, family-oriented zest into this beloved reboot.
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Image |
Actor |
Character |
|---|---|---|
|
Emma Thompson |
Polynesia |
|
Rami Malek |
Chee-Chee |
|
Selena Gomez |
Betsy |
|
Kumail Nanjiani |
Plimpton |
|
John Cena |
Yoshi |
|
Octavia Spencer |
Dab-Dab |
|
Ralph Fiennes |
Barry |
|
Craig Robinson |
Kevin |
|
Tom Holland |
Jip |
|
Marion Cotillard |
Tutu |
|
Frances De La Tour |
Ginko-Who Soars |
What To Expect From Dolittle 2
With Dolittle falling short of expectations, will there be a sequel? Here is what you can expect from a follow up to Robert Downey Jr.'s latest movie.Emma Thompson as Polynesia
A Wise, Headstrong Macaw
|
Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Emma Thompson |
April 15, 1959 |
Sybil Trelawney (Harry Potter), Baroness von Hellman (Cruella) |
Two-time Academy Award-winning actress Emma Thompson plays Polynesia, a wise, headstrong macaw who's also Doctor Dolittle's most trusted advisor. Most known for her leading roles in Sense and Sensibility, Howards End, and Saving Mr. Banks, she has also appeared in memorable supporting roles in Love, Actually and the Harry Potter franchise (as Sybil Trelawney). She also starred in and wrote the romantic comedy Last Christmas. Additionally, the actor also played Baroness von Hellman in 2021's Cruella.
Rami Malek as Chee-Chee
An Overanxious Gorilla
|
Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Rami Malek |
May 12, 1981 |
Freddie Mercury (Bohemian Rhapsody), Lyutsifer Safin (No Time to Die) |
2019 Best Actor Oscar winner Rami Malek followed his lead role as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody with Dolittle, where he's voicing the overanxious gorilla Chee-Chee. Outside of the Queen biopic, Malek is well-known for his lead role in the hypnotic crime series Mr. Robot, along with roles in Papillon and Short Term 12. The actor also played the Lyutsifer Safin in No Time to Die, Daniel Craig's final outing as Bond.
Dolittle Movie Ending Explained: Why It's So Bad
Robert Downey Jr.'s Dolittle movie had a whole mess of problems, but few were as glaring or memorably terrible as its messy ending. Here's why.Selena Gomez As Betsy
A Warmhearted Giraffe & Dolittle's Cherished Friend
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Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Selena Gomez |
July 22, 1992 |
Mabel (Only Murders in the Building), Mavis (Hotel Transylvania) |
Selena Gomez breathes life into Betsy in the Dolittle cast, a warmhearted giraffe and one of Dolittle's cherished friends. Gomez, a multifaceted talent, rose to fame as the lead in the Disney Channel's hit series Wizards of Waverly Place, setting the stage for a successful transition into film.
Her vibrant career encompasses notable roles in films such as Spring Breakers and Monte Carlo, as well as voicing the character of Mavis in the Hotel Transylvania series. Gomez has found success returning to television too, playing Mabel in Only Murders in the Building alongside Martin Short and Steve Martin.
Kumail Nanjiani As Plimpton
A Well-Meaning Ostrich
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Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Kumail Nanjiani |
May 2, 1978 |
Kumail (The Big Sick), Dinesh (Silicon Valley) |
In the Dolittle cast, Kumail Nanjiana plays Yoshi, an ostrich who's well-meaning but has a tendency to get into feuds with the polar bear Yoshi. A stand-up comedian, Nanjiani's place in film skyrocketed when he wrote and starred in the autobiographical romantic comedy The Big Sick. Since then he's also starred in the Dave Bautista buddy cop movie Stuber, and he joined the MCU, playing Kingo in Eternals. He is perhaps best known for starring in HBO's Silicon Valley. The actor also voiced Mack in 2023's Migration.
Dolittle: 5 Reasons It's A Must-Watch (& 5 You Should Skip it)
Now that Robert Downey Jr. has shed the Iron Man armor, we move onto Dolittle. Is his version a must-watch, or can you skip it?John Cena As Yoshi
A Polar Bear Who Often Feuds With Plimpton
|
Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
John Cena |
April 23, 1977 |
Peacemaker (DC Extended Universe), Jakob Torretto (Fast and Furious) |
Yoshi is a polar bear who argues with Plimpton. WWE Superstar John Cena has recently sprouted in Hollywood, having appeared in films such as Bumblebee, Trainwreck, Playing with Fire, Blockers, and Ferdinand. Cena also joined the Fast & Furious franchise, playing Dominic Torretto's brother, Jakob, and he joined the DCEU as Peacemaker in James Gunn's The Suicide Squad.
Peacemaker earned his own spinoff TV series on Max, and Peacemaker season 2 is currently in development. The actor also voiced Rocksteady in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.
Ralph Fiennes As Barry
A Tiger Who Wants To Eat Dolittle
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Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Ralph Fiennes |
December 22, 1962 |
Voldemort (Harry Potter), Chef Slowik (The Menu) |
Barry is a tiger who attempts to kill and eat Dolittle in the Dolittle cast. Academy Award-nominated actor Ralph Fiennes is most known for his roles as German officer Amon Goeth in Schindler's List, Dark Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise, and the amiable concierge in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Along with Voldermort, Barry adds to the vast number of villains Fiennes has played on screen, as the actor also starred in The Menu as a murderous chef, Chef Slowik.
Dolittle's Post-Credits Scene Explained
Dolittle sees Robert Downey, Jr's magical doctor face off against the conniving Dr. Blair Mudfly - who makes a comeback in the post-credits scene.Octavia Spencer As Dab-Dab
An Exuberant Duck With A Metal Leg
|
Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Octavia Spencer |
May 25, 1970 |
Minny Jackson (The Help), Wanda (Fruitvale Station) |
Octavia Spencer infuses Dab-Dab, the exuberant duck with a distinctive metal leg, with her signature vibrancy and warmth. An Oscar-winning actress celebrated for her poignant performances in The Help, Hidden Figures, and Fruitvale Station, Spencer brings a delightful mix of humor and heart to the role.
Dab-Dab's boundless energy and unique charm are amplified by Spencer's adeptness at portraying resilient and endearing characters, making the duck a memorable and beloved member of Dr. Dolittle's eclectic animal entourage. Spencer also voiced "Corey" The Manticore in Onward.
Craig Robinson As Kevin
A Squirrel With A Score To Settle
|
Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Craig Robinson |
October 25, 1971 |
Craig Robinson (This Is the End) Darryl (The Office) |
Kevin, portrayed by Craig Robinson, is a squirrel with a score to settle in the Dolittle cast, adding an unexpected twist of vengeance to the otherwise whimsical ensemble. Known for his comedic prowess, Robinson, famous for his role as Darryl in The Office and appearances in This Is the End and the Hot Tub Time Machine series, injects Kevin with a blend of humor and depth. His ability to balance comedic timing with emotional nuance brings a complexity to the character, making Kevin a standout in the colorful cast of Dolittle. Robinson also voiced Mr. Shark in The Bad Guys.
Tom Holland As Jip
A Bespectacled & Insightful Dog
|
Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Tom Holland |
June 1, 1996 |
Peter Parker (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Nathan Drake (Uncharted) |
Voicing a bespectacled and insightful dog, Tom Holland brings his youthful energy and charm to the role. Best recognized for his portrayal of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, especially alongside Robert Downey Jr., Holland's casting adds a layer of camaraderie and continuity to Dolittle.
His ability to convey depth and vulnerability, even through voice work, enriches the character, making the dog not just a source of comic relief but also a heartwarming presence within the film's diverse animal cast. The actor also played Nathan Drake in Uncharted and voiced Ian in Onward.
Marion Cotillard As Tutu
A Cunning & Spirited Fox
|
Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Marion Cotillard |
September 30, 1975 |
Mal (Inception), Miranda Tate (The Dark Knight Rises) |
Marion Cotillard lends her voice to Tutu, a cunning and spirited fox and companion to Betsy the giraffe. The Oscar-winning French actress, celebrated for her transformative portrayal of Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose, as well as her roles in Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, imbues Tutu with a blend of elegance and mischief.
Cotillard's nuanced performance adds depth to the character, making Tutu a memorable and integral part of Dolittle's adventure, showcasing Cotillard's versatility and charm in this animated world. Cotillard also voiced Louise de Savoy in The Inventor, a stop-motion animated film about Leonardo da Vinci.
Frances De La Tour As Ginko-Who Soars
An Awe-Inspiring Fire-Breathing Dragon
|
Name |
Date of Birth |
Notable Roles |
|---|---|---|
|
Frances De La Tour |
July 30, 1944 |
Madame Olympe Maxime (Harry Potter), Martha (The Book of Eli) |
Frances de la Tour voices Ginko-Who-Soars, an awe-inspiring fire-breathing dragon, with a captivating presence in Dolittle. Renowned for her performances in The History Boys, Into the Woods, and The Book of Eli, de la Tour infuses Ginko-Who-Soars with a mixture of might and mystery.
Her seasoned acting prowess lends an air of gravitas and enchantment to the character, ensuring that the dragon not only embodies the fantasy element of the film but also stands as a complex figure with depth. De la Tour's portrayal adds a majestic and thrilling layer to Dolittle's adventurous spirit.
Dolittle
*Availability in US
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
- Director
- Stephen Gaghan
- Release Date
- January 1, 2020
- Cast
- Robert Downey Jr. , Octavia Spencer , John Cena , Selena Gomez , Kasia Smutniak , Harry Collett , Craig Robinson , Jim Broadbent , Carmen Ejogo , Frances de la Tour , Michael Sheen , Jessie Buckley , Marion Cotillard , Emma Thompson , Antonio Banderas , Tom Holland , Kumail Nanjiani , Rami Malek , Ralph Ineson , Ralph Fiennes
- Runtime
- 101 Minutes
