Eddie Murphy
If there’s one person who can make a grumpy tiger feel heard, it’s Eddie Murphy. As the wisecracking Dr. John Dolittle in the 1998 hit, Murphy’s signature humor made the idea of talking to animals feel as natural as ordering a coffee. His rapid-fire exchanges with a neurotic dog, a gossiping guinea pig, and an opera-singing rat had audiences in stitches. Murphy’s ability to react to thin air (since most animals were CGI or animatronics) was nothing short of genius. He reportedly ad-libbed many of his funniest lines, making the conversations feel spontaneous. The chemistry he created between his character and the animals was seamless, making the world of Dr. Dolittle feel alive. Fans of the film still quote his hilarious one-liners, proving how much his performance resonated.
Murphy’s Dolittle wasn’t your typical mystical doctor—he was an overworked, skeptical vet suddenly thrown into an animal-driven soap opera. Talk about a comedic goldmine. The way he transitioned from denial to reluctant acceptance of his ability made his performance even more compelling. His expressions, comedic timing, and sheer energy kept the film engaging, ensuring that every interaction with an animal felt fresh. Even years later, Murphy’s version remains a nostalgic favorite, proving that sometimes, all you need is a little sass to make movie magic.
Robert Downey Jr.
When RDJ stepped into Dolittle’s boots in 2020, he didn’t just play a man who talked to animals—he embodied an eccentric genius with a tragic past. His version of the beloved doctor was more brooding and whimsical, blending Sherlock Holmes’ wit with a touch of Dr. Seuss. RDJ went all-in on his Dolittle persona, even giving him an unexpected (and debated) Welsh accent. But what really sold it? His interactions with his furry friends. From deep, heartfelt talks with a traumatized gorilla to a hysterical scene where he removes a set of bagpipes from a dragon’s, uh, digestive system—he made every moment feel believable. His ability to bring emotional weight to such a whimsical world elevated the film beyond just a CGI spectacle.
RDJ’s Dolittle was as much about healing himself as it was about healing the animals around him. His performance carried a sense of loss and redemption, making the character more layered than previous versions. While the film had mixed reviews, no one could deny RDJ’s dedication to making Dolittle his own. His improvisations and ability to bring warmth to the eccentric character added a unique depth that set his version apart. Love it or hate it, his take on the character was bold, creative, and unforgettable.
Emma Thompson
Not all heroes wear capes—some have feathers. Emma Thompson brought a surprising depth to Polynesia, the wise and slightly sarcastic parrot in Dolittle (2020). She wasn’t just a sidekick; she was Dolittle’s voice of reason, his therapist, and, honestly, his babysitter. Thompson’s effortless elegance turned Polynesia into more than a talking bird—she became the heart of the story. With her warm yet commanding voice, she delivered wisdom with a side of dry humor. And while we’ll never know if she personally held conversations with birds to prepare, we wouldn’t put it past her. Her ability to inject genuine emotion into an animated character made Polynesia stand out.
Thompson’s Polynesia was not just there for comic relief; she was the backbone of Dolittle’s journey. She kept him grounded, pushed him forward, and challenged him when he needed it most. Her voice acting was so natural that it felt like Polynesia was a
real bird with years of experience giving life advice. She balanced the comedic moments with sincerity, making the character’s bond with Dolittle truly touching. In a film full of talking animals, she managed to make a parrot feel like the wisest presence in the room.
Rami Malek
Rami Malek voicing Chee-Chee the gorilla? Now that was a stroke of genius. Best known for his intense, brooding roles (Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody), Malek took a different route here—playing an anxious, self-doubting but ultimately brave gorilla. His soft-spoken delivery gave Chee-Chee a gentle vulnerability, making him one of the most relatable characters in Dolittle (2020). His journey from fearful to fearless felt surprisingly human, proving that sometimes, even a talking gorilla needs a pep talk. Malek’s ability to express deep emotions through just his voice added an unexpected depth to Chee-Chee’s character.
The contrast between Chee-Chee’s timid nature and his moments of bravery made his arc one of the film’s highlights. Malek’s voice work made the character’s struggles feel authentic, drawing audiences into his personal growth. His dynamic with RDJ’s Dolittle was touching, with Dolittle acting as both a mentor and a friend. The moment Chee-Chee finally finds his courage feels earned, making his character one of the most memorable in the film. Malek’s ability to bring raw emotion into an animated gorilla proved just how talented he truly is.
John Cena
John Cena voicing Yoshi the polar bear was a match made in comedy heaven. Known for his wrestling bravado and comedic timing, Cena brought a larger-than-life personality to Yoshi, a bear who hilariously preferred warm climates over the Arctic chill. His booming voice and playful delivery made Yoshi instantly lovable. Cena’s ability to mix toughness with goofiness gave the character a unique charm, making Yoshi feel like the film’s comedic backbone. Every time he argued with Plimpton the ostrich (voiced by Kumail Nanjiani), it felt like an improv comedy showdown between two unlikely best friends.
Despite Yoshi’s humorous antics, Cena also brought warmth to the character. Yoshi wasn’t just there for laughs; he was fiercely loyal and had a heart of gold. His journey from an out-of-place bear to a key player in Dolittle’s adventure made him more than just comic relief. Cena’s natural charisma made Yoshi a standout, proving that sometimes, even a polar bear can steal the show. Whether wrestling in the ring or lending his voice to a talking bear, Cena knows how to entertain a crowd.
Kumail Nanjiani
If you thought an ostrich couldn’t have an existential crisis, Kumail Nanjiani’s portrayal of Plimpton proved otherwise. As Yoshi’s reluctant travel buddy, Plimpton was the definition of high-strung, sarcastic, and hilariously dramatic. Nanjiani’s dry humor and impeccable comedic timing made every scene he was in an instant highlight. Whether it was bickering with Yoshi or delivering a reluctant pep talk, Plimpton was a walking (or running) punchline. Nanjiani’s voice work made the character feel like the ultimate grumpy sidekick.
Despite his endless complaining, Plimpton had a heart buried beneath all the snark. He might have groaned through most of the journey, but when it came down to it, he was there for his friends. Nanjiani’s ability to balance comedy with unexpected sincerity made Plimpton one of the most entertaining characters in Dolittle. His portrayal reminded us that even the most reluctant adventurers can have their moment of heroism.
Octavia Spencer
Octavia Spencer brought boundless energy to Dab-Dab, the sassy, no-filter duck in Dolittle (2020). Unlike the graceful swans of movie lore, Dab-Dab was a whirlwind of chaos, always speaking before thinking and adding an unpredictable energy to the group. Spencer’s voice acting turned her into a comedic force, making every scene feel spontaneous. Whether she was excitedly charging into danger or using a prosthetic foot as a weapon (yes, really), Dab-Dab was impossible to ignore. Her wild antics were balanced by genuine warmth, as she cared deeply for Dolittle and the animals around her.
Spencer’s natural comedic timing gave Dab-Dab an irresistible charm, making her an essential part of the team’s dynamic. Even when she was getting things hilariously wrong, her unwavering loyalty made her loveable. Spencer infused the character with just the right amount of spunk and heart, ensuring that even in a world of talking tigers and nervous gorillas, a feisty duck could still steal the spotlight. It’s not every day a duck wields a prosthetic leg as a weapon and makes it work.
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes took a break from being Voldemort to voice Barry, the highly aggressive and slightly unhinged tiger in Dolittle (2020). And let’s just say—he didn’t hold back. Fiennes made Barry both terrifying and oddly pathetic, as the tiger constantly struggled with his insecurities despite his fearsome appearance. His voice dripped with menace, but there was also a hilarious desperation to Barry’s attempts to prove himself. Fiennes’ ability to shift between eerie growls and neurotic whining made Barry one of the film’s most uniquely entertaining characters.
Barry wasn’t just a villain; he was a tiger in the middle of an identity crisis. Fiennes captured this perfectly, making him both a genuine threat and a character you couldn’t help but pity. His performance added unexpected layers to what could have been a standard antagonist, blending intimidation with dark humor. Fiennes’ unmistakable voice and commitment to the role made Barry unforgettable, proving that even a bloodthirsty tiger can have self-esteem issues.
Rex Harrison
Long before CGI or special effects, Rex Harrison brought Dr. Dolittle to life in the 1967 musical classic. His version of the doctor was eccentric, whimsical, and filled with old-school charm. Unlike the more comedic takes that followed, Harrison’s Dolittle was a refined, almost aristocratic figure who treated talking to animals as a natural extension of science. His powerful stage presence made the role feel grand, and his musical numbers added a layer of magic that still holds up today.
Harrison’s performance had a theatrical elegance that set the tone for every Dolittle that followed. He made conversing with animals seem sophisticated rather than silly, paving the way for future interpretations of the character. While the film itself was a mix of critical highs and lows, his portrayal remains iconic. Without Harrison’s take, we might never have seen the character evolve into the pop culture phenomenon it is today.
