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
Saoirse Ronan begins filming Bad Apples
Filming is due to get underway this week (w/c 18 March) on Bad Apples, a satirical thriller starring Saoirse Ronan.
Martin Compston, Anjli Mohindra film thriller in Glasgow for Prime Video
Filming is underway in Glasgow on Fear, a new, three-part thriller for Prime Video.
Netflix UK agrees writers remuneration deal
Netflix UK has reached a landmark remuneration agreement with the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) and agency body the Personal Managers Association (PMA) for writers on live-action scripted series, Broadcast reports.
New Jurassic World film to shoot at Sky Studios Elstree
NBCUniversal’s new Jurassic World movie will begin filming at the company’s own Sky Studios Elstree later this year, directed by Gareth Edwards.
Screen Scotland sets out six-year strategy
Screen Scotland has today (5 March) published a strategy up to 2030, setting out plans for the ongoing economic and creative growth of the country’s film and TV production industry.
MPTS 2024 – book your stand now!
This is your perfect opportunity to generate new business leads at The Media Production &Technology Show, the UK's premier event for the media and entertainment industry.