'Dolittle': All the wonderful, wacky animals teaming up with Robert Downey Jr's witty doctor in the movie
Robert Downey Jr's 'Dolittle' is almost here and ready to reintroduce the world to the quirky doctor who can talk to animals.
While Eddie Murphy's take on the character played a huge role in popularizing Doctor Dolittle, Murphy's movies were, at best, loose adaptations of Hugh Lofting's books, but that's not the case with the upcoming reboot.
'Dolittle' will see the good doctor's story taken back to the basics, complete with a collection of whimsical animals voiced by some of the biggest stars in the industry. So without further ado, let's meet the members of Doctor John Dolittle's merry menagerie:
Emma Thompson as Polynesia
The legendary British actress will be voicing Polynesia (Poly to her friends), a blue and yellow macaw parrot who serves as Dolittle's best friend and moral compass, telling him the truths he doesn't want to hear. Think Molly Weasley meets Professor McGonagall, but as a parrot.
Rami Malek as Chee-Chee
'Bohemian Rhapsody' star Rami Malek voices Chee-Chee, a hyper-anxious yet super-intelligent gorilla who loves his safety blanket almost as much as he loves his friends. We're also assuming he'd be a great Freddie Mercury impersonator though it's unlikely he'll be showing off those skills in 'Dolittle', considering it's set in the Victorian era.
John Cena as Yoshi
No, you won't be seeing the WWE superstar in 'Dolittle' but you will hear him voicing Yoshi, the polar bear who hates the cold (go figure). Despite being an apex predator, Yoshi is a gentle giant and the only person he ever picks a fight with is Plimpton.
Kumail Nanjiani as Plimpton
The 'Silicon Valley' star voices Plimpton, a cynical ostrich who doesn't realize he's a flightless bird. Despite his weirdness and constant quarrels with Yoshi, Plimpton is ultimately a sweetheart, so long as he's getting his regular dose of endorphins. Plus, he's Dolittle's trusty steed and what could be more impressive than a grown man riding an ostrich into battle?
Octavia Spencer as Dab-Dab
Dab-Dab isn't the sharpest tool in the shed but she makes up for it by being infinitely kind. Voiced by award-winning actor Octavia Spencer, the ever-forgetful duck is exceptionally loyal to Dolittle and one of the best friends he could ask for.
Tom Holland as Jip
It looks like the 'Spider-Man' star's career is really going to the dogs, and we mean that in the nicest way possible because he's the voice of Dolittle's trusty hound, Jip. This near-sighted canine is brave, protective and faithful, making him the perfect person to guard Queen Victoria while the doctor goes off on his quest for a cure that could save her life.
Craig Robinson as Kevin
Though he might be an adorable little squirrel, Kevin is not someone you want to mess with. Craig Robinson (Doug "The Pontiac Bandit" Judy from 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine') voices this homicidal rodent who joins the doctor's crew as their guide, though there's every chance he might betray them if the opportunity presents itself.
Selena Gomez as Betsy and Marion Cotillard as Tutu
'Wizards of Waverly Place' star Selena Gomez is the voice of Betsy, a kind and selfless giraffe who also happens to be wanted in three forests, alongside Tutu, her faithful partner-in-crime and on-head navigator. 'Inception' star Marion Cotillard voices Tutu, a fox with a talent for escaping the inescapable and an indomitable revolutionary spirit.
Fingers crossed, we might also get a musical number out of the duo. 'Dolittle' will arrive in theaters on January 17.