Al Pacino Leaves 'Despicable Me 2' Citing Creative Differences
With only two months untill the release date, Al Pacino has walked out on Despicable Me 2.
Pacino, who would have made this his animated film debut, was signed on to play the films villain, Eduardo. The studio cites creative differences as the reason for the departure.
"Over the production of Despicable Me 2, there were creative differences between us and Al Pacino...we have mutually decided with Al to replace the voice of Eduardo with a new actor," the studio stated, according to Deadline. "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."
Private Practice's Benjamin Bratt will replace Pacino, states Deadline.
Although there is very little time until the film is scheduled for release, the studio believes that it will still be ready for its July 3 premier, according to the Inquisitr.
The original Despicable Me hit screen in 2010 to huge success. According to the Inquisitr, the film had a budget of only $69 million but managed to gross $540 million worldwide.
Steve Carell will make his return as Gru under the direction of original directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin.
