Scheduled for a Summer–Fall 2027 release, the 3DCG film from the studio behind ‘The Snow Queen’ franchise is inspired by the famous character and the idea that empathy and kindness can overcome fear and evil.
Voronezh Animation Studio has released the first teaser for its new Dr. Dolittle animated feature, offering an early look at the film's world, tone and visual style ahead of its planned Summer–Fall 2027 release.
The studio shared with AWN that their new 3DCG film is inspired by the timeless character of “Dr. Dolittle” and the idea that empathy and kindness can overcome fear and evil. The film follows the doctor on a high-stakes rescue mission that combines adventure, comedy and the company of animal friends, designed for children and family audiences worldwide.
Set in the heart of Africa, on the banks of the Limpopo River, the story begins when a mysterious epidemic threatens the animal world. Dr. Dolittle sets out with his loyal dog Woofie and new friends, crossing wild jungles, dangerous terrain and fast-moving chases before discovering that the disease is tied to a sinister scheme by the cunning pirate Barm'o'Ley, who exploits others' suffering and kidnaps sick animals. Dolittle must not only cure the animals, but also save the animal kingdom and bring them safely home.
Here’s a glimpse:
General producer Vladimir Nikolaev shared that the goal of the film is for audiences to experience wonder and optimism while reflecting on compassion, communication and coexistence with nature, introducing Dr. Dolittle to a new generation of families through an adventure full of thrills, humor and heart. “For generations, Doctor Dolittle's unique talent for communicating with animals has made him the world's favorite bridge between species,” he said. “In this adventure, a high-stakes rescue mission is lightened by plenty of comedy — and the company of irresistibly cute animal friends. We wanted to create a universal modern animated adventure that would resonate with both children and family audiences worldwide.”
According to Voronezh Animation, the film “combines classic storytelling traditions with contemporary humor and modern cinematic animation techniques. Its ensemble of animal characters is built around bold, distinctive personalities and strong comedic voices, with dynamic interactions intended to create humor, conflict and heart in the spirit of ensemble-driven animated adventures such as Zootopia and Madagascar.”
The visual style combines highly detailed natural environments with expressive character animation and carefully crafted cinematic lighting. The story moves through lush African jungles, the vast savannah and the iconic banks of the Limpopo River, each with its own visual identity and mood, while Megapawlis, a stylized and bustling animal metropolis, adds a modern layer that expands the film's world beyond its natural environments.
The project is produced by Voronezh Animation Studio with the support of Mars Media Entertainment. Voronezh Animation Studio's feature animation portfolio includes internationally released projects such as The Snow Queen franchise and Wolves and Sheep, with projects released in more than 150 countries and translated into 30 languages. Mars Media Entertainment is known for internationally released projects including The Master and Margarita, Palma and Mira.
The project has secured pre-sales in key territories including Europe and Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Australia. Terms were not disclosed.
Source: Voronezh Animation Studio
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
