Robert Downey Jr. brings Dolittle to Berlin

Reuters: U.S. actor Robert Downey Jr. and his co actors in 'Dolittle' were in Berlin on Monday (January 20) ahead of the German cinema release of the Universal film. The kid-friendly fantasy adventure is a new direction for Downey Jr. who has spent the last decade playing 'Iron Man.' In keeping with the animal-themed 'Dolittle'', Downey Jr. and co stars Harry Collett and Carmel Laniado unveiled a so-called Buddy Bear, gifted by Downey Jr. The bear, signed by all three cast members, will be auctioned off for charity. 'Dolittle' based on the children's book series by Hugh Lofting, has been plagued with production headaches and torched by critics. The studio had hoped star Robert Downey Jr.'s take on the vet who can talk to his four-legged patients could ignite a new franchise for family crowds. But that's looking increasingly unlikely after the movie got off to a disappointing start, launching at No. 2 with $22 million. It's projected to make $30 million over the four-day weekend. Those ticket sales are cause for concern since extensive reshoots pushed its production cost near $180 million. 'Dolittle' was supposed to open last May but was delayed twice due to production problems. The film will have its German premiere on January 30.