Selena Gomez, Tom Holland & more join Robert Downey Jr. in Doctor Dolittle

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

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 Deadline adding that Universal Pictures has already snagged Antonio Banderas and is in talks with Michael Sheen as well.

Also joining the voyage will be Tom Holland, Emma Thompson, and Ralph Fiennes, who, along with Selena Gomez, will be voicing some of the animals which Dr. Dolittle will encounter. Antonio Banderas and Michael Sheen are set for live-action roles, with Banderas playing a pirate named Rassouli and Sheen up for Mudfly. THE VOYAGE OF DOCTOR DOLITTLE is expected to launch a brand-new franchise for Robert Downey Jr., and production on the film will kick off in London later this month under the direct of Stephen Gaghan (SYRIANA). THE VOYAGE OF DOCTOR DOLITTLE will hit theaters on April 12, 2019. 

Robert Downey Jr. is set to appear as Tony Stark in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR on May 4, 2018 and its as-yet-untitled sequel on May 3, 2019, but those movies may very well be the end of the actor's association with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Either Tony Stark makes a heroic sacrifice, or he disappears to converse with animals. Take your pick.