Sycamore Studios, in partnership with Reel FX Animation, has initiated the production of 'Doctor Dolittle: King of the Wild', an animated feature aimed at a global family audience. This film reintroduces the beloved character in a modern narrative, emphasizing adventure, humor, and a deep connection to the animal world. The project signifies Sycamore Studios' ambitious entry into feature animation and lays the groundwork for an expansive multimedia franchise.

This initiative represents a significant venture for both studios, promising a revitalized take on a classic character for contemporary viewers. The production aligns with Sycamore's strategic goal to establish robust family-oriented franchises, suggesting a long-term vision that extends beyond the initial film release.

A New Chapter for Doctor Dolittle

Sycamore Studios has officially begun production on "Doctor Dolittle: King of the Wild," an animated film created in partnership with Reel FX Animation Studios. This cinematic endeavor reimagines Hugh Lofting's enduring literary character, Doctor Dolittle, for a contemporary audience. The narrative centers on Doctor Dolittle, a world-renowned zoologist, who finds himself embroiled in controversy after a live-streamed expedition inadvertently leads to a legendary creature falling into the hands of poachers. Accused and ostracized, Dolittle must reunite with three estranged animal companions to undertake a perilous rescue mission, aiming to safeguard the entire animal kingdom.

This film is the inaugural feature release from Sycamore Studios, with co-founder and chief creative officer Timothy Reckart at the helm. Reckart, known for his work on Sony's 2017 animated feature "The Star," brings a wealth of experience to the project. He expressed enthusiasm for introducing Doctor Dolittle's unique ability to communicate with animals to a new generation, highlighting the film's blend of excitement, comedy, and emotional depth. The screenplay is penned by accomplished family film writers Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen, celebrated for their contributions to the "PAW Patrol" movie series, ensuring a narrative that resonates with families. Christian McGuigan and Cooper Waterman serve as executive producers, with Saxton Washburn producing on behalf of Sycamore Studios.

Expanding the Dolittle Universe

Beyond the animated feature, Sycamore Studios is dedicated to fostering a comprehensive franchise around "Doctor Dolittle: King of the Wild." This ambitious expansion includes developing graphic novels, interactive gaming experiences, and immersive location-based entertainment ventures. These partnerships are envisioned to span various family-friendly attractions, such as zoos, theme parks, and other entertainment destinations, creating multiple touchpoints for audiences to engage with the Dolittle universe.

Cooper Waterman, Sycamore's Head of Production, articulated the studio's belief in Doctor Dolittle's timeless appeal and the opportunity to reintroduce his imaginative spirit, humor, and empathy to modern audiences through a fresh cinematic lens. He underscored the commitment to honoring the character's legacy while crafting a visually captivating and emotionally impactful story for today's global viewers, expressing confidence in Reel FX as an ideal collaborator. Reel FX Animation, with a distinguished portfolio including titles like "The Book of Life" and "SCOOB!," brings extensive animation expertise to the project. Augusto Schillacci, Chief Creative Officer at Reel FX, praised Sycamore's creative vision and the excitement among their artists to contribute to a richly cinematic world that audiences worldwide will cherish. Established in 2024, Sycamore Studios is strategically building a diverse slate of premium animated films and family franchises, which also includes adaptations of "Zita the Spacegirl" and Ludwig Bemelmans's "Madeline," alongside a first-look agreement with John Patrick Green, the creator of the popular "InvestiGators" graphic novel series.