Full Breakdown
Doctor Dolittle: King of the Wild – Animated Reboot Enters Production
5/13/2026, 1:09:09 PM
Core Announcement and Production Schedule
Sycamore Studios has begun production on *Doctor Dolittle: King of the Wild*, an animated feature co-produced with Reel FX Animation Studios. Timothy Reckart, co-founder and chief creative officer of Sycamore, directs; the screenplay is by Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen. Production is slated for delivery in the third quarter of 2027. No release date, voice cast, or distribution partner has been disclosed.
Background
The Doctor Dolittle character, created by Hugh Lofting in 1920, has appeared in a 1967 musical starring Rex Harrison, a 1998–2001 Eddie Murphy film series, and a 2020 live-action film starring Robert Downey Jr., which earned $251 million worldwide. The 2020 version was critically panned and underperformed at the box office.
Creative Team and Studios
Key personnel include director Timothy Reckart (formerly helmed *The Star*), co-founder Aaron Warner (ex-DreamWorks Animation president), screenwriters Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen, Head of Production Cooper Waterman, executive producer Christian McGuigan, Reel FX CEO Steve O’Brien, and Chief Creative Officer Augusto Schillacci. Reel FX Animation Studios, known for *The Book of Life* and *Rumble*, provides animation.
Why It Matters
The project will launch a broader franchise that includes graphic novels, video games, and location-based experiences in zoos and theme parks, aiming to re-introduce the multigenerational family brand to global audiences.
Official Statements
Cooper Waterman said the film seeks to honor the legacy while delivering a visually compelling, emotionally resonant story for today’s global audience. Reckart described Dolittle as an ambassador between humans and animals and expressed excitement for a new adventure. O’Brien called the partnership an exciting new chapter for the character. Schillacci noted that the creative vision energizes artists to craft a richly cinematic world.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Details on voice talent, distribution channels, and a definitive release date remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Reckart added, “Doctor Dolittle’s ability to speak to animals has made him every generation’s favorite ambassador between the human and animal worlds.” — Timothy Reckart, Director, Sycamore Studios
- “ Sycamore's Head of Production, Cooper Waterman, also stated, “Doctor Dolittle is one of the great family characters of all time, and we believe the world is ready for a fresh, cinematic reintroduction to his imagination, humor, and heart.” — Cooper Waterman, Head of Production, Sycamore Studios
- “We are thrilled to collaborate with Sycamore Studios on this exciting new chapter for Doctor Dolittle,” — Steve O’Brien, CEO, Reel FX Animation Studios
- “Sycamore has assembled an ambitious creative vision for the property, and our artists are energized by the opportunity to help craft a richly cinematic world audiences everywhere can enjoy.” — Augusto Schillacci, Chief Creative Officer, Sycamore Studios
What’s Next
Sycamore will expand the property through graphic novels, games, and location-based attractions while advancing production toward the Q3 2027 delivery. Additional casting and distribution details are expected in future updates.
