Al Pacino Exits This Summer’s ‘Despicable Me 2,’ Benjamin Bratt Enters
In one of the strangest exits in recent memory, Al Pacino has left the production of 'Despicable Me 2,' which is set to hit theaters July 3. But it was just announced that Benjamin Bratt is replacing him. They'll have to work pretty quick if they want to hit theaters exactly two months from today.
The news of Pacino's departure and Bratt's hiring comes from Deadline, who cite creative differences and a mutual decision. They followed up the story a little later with Bratt's addition.
That said -- besides having to change the advertising that's already out there that lists Pacino as a cast member -- there's a good news side of this. Though Pacino may have been involved in the production for years (as is often the case with animated films), the actual work he did is often done in days. And though it may require Bratt to match the lilt and speed of Pacino's voice work, the actual changes can be modest. This though may mean re-animating some of the lip movements of his character, Eduardo.
'Despicable Me 2' also features Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Ken Jeong, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, and Steve Coogan, and unless this is a portent of even bigger problems, we should see the film on July 3.