Robert Downey Jr all set to play 'Doctor Dolittle'

Robert Downey Jr is all set to wear the mask of Doctor Dolittle, character from the 1920s series of children's books by Hugh Lofting.

Universal won an auction for 'The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle,' with Robert Downey Jr all set to play the titular character, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The Oscar-winning writer Stephen Ghegan, who previously helmed 'Syriana,' is ready to direct the film based on a script he wrote, with an earlier draft by Tom Shepherd.

In a competitive situation, Universal won the rights to the movie and garnered multiple bids from studios last week.

'The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle' is based on the character from the 1920s series.

The charcter first hit the big screen in the 1967 movie 'Doctor Dolittle'.

Another Dr Dolittle movie was released in 1998 and starred Eddie Murphy in the titular role. The film was a success and resulted in four sequels.

On a related note, Robert Downey Jr. will be next seen in 'Avengers: Infinity War' alongside Scarlet Johansson, Chris Evans and Benedict Cumberbatch.