Al Pacino is Despicable no longer. The actor has reportedly stepped down from his role as the villain in the upcoming Despicable Me 2 — which is scheduled for release on July 3. In case you don’t actually believe your calendar, that’s exactly two months from now.
According to Deadline, Pacino was supposed to play the film’s villain, Eduardo, and had recorded most of his voice work. Unfortunately, after creative differences with the filmmakers, he decided to step down.
The studio is reportedly scrambling to find a replacement, but should be able to do so shortly and not affect the release date. Because it’s an animated film, another actor can slip into the role without requiring reshoots.
In a statement to Deadline, the studio said, “Over the production of Despicable Me 2, there were creative differences between us and Al Pacino, who had been cast as the voice of Eduardo in the film. We have mutually decided with Al to replace the voice of Eduardo with a new actor. Universal and Illumination thank Al for his many contributions to the process and look forward to a new actor bringing this memorable character to the screen upon its release this summer.”
More:
Al Pacino to Voice the Villain in ‘Despicable Me 2’
Javier Bardem in Talks for ‘Despicable Me 2’
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