"Tom Holland is in 'Dolittle' because of Robert," the film's director Stephen Gaghan said about the reason behind the duo's reunion. "Tom did the movie because he loves Robert. They're very close." In "Dolittle", Downey Jr. portrays the role of famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria's England who lives in solitude behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor, with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company.