Doctor Dolittle film sets up in the UK
Universal Pictures’ big-screen take on the much-loved tales of Doctor Dolittle is now in early pre-production in the UK with Robert Downey Jr set to play the man who can talk to the animals.
Downey is also involved behind the camera on the as-yet-untitled project, with his shingle Team Downey producing alongside Roth/Kirschenberg films.
Syriana writer/director Stephen Gaghan is at the helm to direct from his own screenplay; the feature will be a mixture of live-action and CGI.
The production team is currently bedding in at a UK studio: Production Intelligence subscribers can log in for details on this along with key UK hires already confirmed to us, including the UPM and executive/line producer.
The last big-screen adaptation of Hugh Lofting’s children’s books was in 1998 with Eddie Murphy in the title role, following on from the classic original musical version of 1967 with Rex Harrison.
Universal also has Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! in pre-production in the UK, with filming due to get underway later this summer.
Production Intelligence currently has listings for several big-budget US projects which are currently in pre-production in the UK, including Star Wars: Episode IX, Christopher Robin, Aladdin, Dumbo, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Kid Who Would Be King.
Non-subscribers can click here for a free online demo.
Robert Downey Jr photo via Getty Images/WireImage/Gary Gershoff.
Also on The Knowledge
Studios Spotlight – OMA V
The latest in our Studios Spotlight is OMA V, due to be fully open at the end of this month. We speak to Location Collective’s MD Becky Butler about the new facility, the company’s studio portfolio and the plans for the future.
Sustainability system launches with new Sky comedy
With sustainability at the top of the agenda for production, managing the eco credentials of your film or TV project is becoming more important every day.
Emma Thompson, Ruth Wilson to star in Mick Herron drama for Apple TV+
Ruth Wilson and Emma Thompson will star in Down Cemetery Road, based on the book by Slow Horses author Mick Herron, for Apple TV+.
Studios Spotlight – Behind the scenes at The Bottle Yard Studios
The latest spotlight in our Studios series shines on Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios, the largest film and TV studio in the west of England.
Ralph Fiennes, Jim Broadbent to film Alan Bennett feature in Yorkshire
A new film that reunites Alan Bennett and Nicholas Hytner will shoot in Yorkshire this May.
James Norton leads starry cast on period drama King & Conqueror
Filming is underway in Iceland on UK period drama King & Conqueror, starring James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.