Robert Downey Jr. is set to play Doctor Dolittle in a new film based on the character from Hugh Lofting’s books. Universal has the rights to the film, titled The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle, which was written and will be directed by Stephen Gaghan (Syriana). 
Past adaptations of the animal-communicating physician include the 1967 musical starring Rex Harrison and a pair of films starring Eddie Murphy. Details are scarce on the new take, but Downey riffing with animals has potential.
