Al Pacino's not getting animated after all.
After completing much of the voice work for the role of the villain in "Despicable Me 2," the screen legend has now abruptly pulled out of the highly anticipated sequel.
So what gives? As The Godfather might say, it's strictly business.
VIDEO: Check out the latest "Despicable Me 2" trailer
Universal Pictures, which is distributing the Illumination-produced 3-D 'toon, released a statement to Deadline on Friday citing "creative differences" for Pacino's exit. But the move is surprising given the fact that "Despicable Me 2" is just two months away from its July 3 release date.
The studio confirmed to E! News however that re-recording the dialogue shouldn't pose a problem for the co-directors Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin and the duo have already tapped Benjamin Bratt to fill the void left by the Oscar-winning actor.
In "Despicable Me 2," Steve Carell reprises his voice role as super-villain Gru, who this time around is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help them fight Eduardo, the new baddie in town. The voice cast also features Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove and Steve Coogan.
U.S. & World
PHOTOS: See more animated action
Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.
