Al Pacino abandons Despicable Me 2; Benjamin Bratt fills in

Al Pacino is out of Despicable Me 2 and Benjamin Bratt is in, Deadline reports.

This worrying development sees Pacino exit the anticipated sequel due to creative differences with Universal Pictures.

Bratt (Miss Congeniality) will step in to voice new super villain Eduardo, alongside Steve Carell’s Gru, ahead of the film’s July release in the US.

According to Universal, “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.”

Universal has confirmed that the film’s release date will not be impacted by this casting news, although one must wonder whether the changeover will be seamless this late in the production.