How does Robert Downey Jr. follow up his final performance as Tony Stark, the role that re-established his career as a global superstar and made him into a household name a thousand times over? He goes on an adventure with talking animals, of course!

Robert Downey Jr. is no stranger to adapting classic literary characters for the big screen. In fact, one might say he’s most comfortable in a period piece that pulls source material from familiar text of the past. Instead of SHERLOCK HOLMES this January, Downey has committed to bringing Doctor Dolittle to life, and tickets to the madcap family adventure just went on sale. Click here to grab yours now!

The character of Doctor Dolittle has been around since 1920, when author Hugh Lofting first introduced the whimsical veterinarian who perfects the art of communicating with animals. The odd skill alienates all of Dolittle’s human patients, but makes him a celebrity in the animal community, leading to all sorts of crazy schemes.

This is right up Robert Downey Jr.’s alley, even if it’s a departure from the egotistical confidence of billionaire playboy philanthropist Tony Stark. Downey’s actually a gifted comedian with an eye for exaggerated fantasy. There’s a reason he once played Charlie Chaplin on screen. Also, given the opportunity to make any movie project in the world – he has more power as a producer post-Marvel than he ever has (or will) in his career – and RDJ chose DOLITTLE with director Stephen Gaghan. That has to mean this is important to him.

DOLITTLE might also require the most acting from Robert Downey Jr. that we have seen on screen in some time. Yes, he gives a powerful performance in AVENGERS: ENDGAME. But it’s mostly just him on screen interacting with CGI animals in DOLITTLE, even though they have famous voices lent by the likes of Tom Holland, Emma Thompson, Kumail Nanjiani, Selena Gomez, John Cena, Rami Malek and more.

Watch Robert Downey Jr. flexing his comedic muscle in the DOLITTLE trailer:

And make sure that you have tickets for the entire family to see DOLITTLE when it opens in theatres on January 17.