First Trailer for Dolittle shows Robert Downey Jr. as the titular animal whisperer

After Rex Harrison in the '60s and Eddie Murphy in the '90s and 2000s, Robert Downey Jr. is the next actor to take on the role of animal whisperer Dr. Dolittle in a new adaptation of Hugh Lofting's popular book series. The first trailer for the fantasy movie shows the Iron Man actor alongside Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen and Jessie Buckley.

Taking place in Victorian England, Dolittle tells the story of a grieving and retreated Dr. John Dolittle who - after the death of his wife seven years earlier - lives alone in Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company. But then, Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) falls ill and the doctor is forced to embark on an epic adventure in search of a cure.

Besides live action roles played by Downey Jr., Banderas, Sheen and Buckley, the film also features voice performances by Rami Malek, John Cena, Marion Cotillard, Tom Holland, Emma Thompson, Kumail Nanjiani, Octavia Spencer, Ralph Fiennes and Selena Gomez amongst others.

Watch the trailer below: