Latest trailer for Robert Downey Jr.’s Dolittle throws a dragon into the mix

Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) can talk to just about any animal out there; ducks, polar bears, squirrels, giraffes, and more, but can he talk to a dragon? The latest trailer for Universal Pictures' new adaptation of the classic literary character created by Hugh Lofting gives us Robert Downey Jr.'s latest accent, a host of talking animals voiced by celebrities, as well as a fire-breathing dragon for good measure.

Although I'll certainly check out whichever project Robert Downey Jr. chooses to take on now that he's departed the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I'm still not sure quite what to make of DOLITTLE; those rumours of a nightmare production certainly don't help matters, but I suppose we won't have long to wait before we'll be able to find out for ourselves. In addition to Downey Jr., DOLITTLE also stars Harry Collett, Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, and Jim Broadbent, as well as the voices of Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, John Cena, Kumail Nanjiani, Octavia Spencer, Tom Holland, Craig Robinson, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Marion Cotillard, and Carmen Ejogo.

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.

DOLITTLE will hit theaters on January 17th.