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Colin Firth Drops Out as Voice of 'Paddington'

Colin Firth exits the CGI/live-action family film ‘Paddington, noting that “It’s been bittersweet to see this delightful creature take shape and come to the sad realization that he simply doesn’t have my voice.”

Colin Firth has exited CGI/live-action family film Paddington and will no longer voice the iconic bear, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter.

The film, based on Michael Bond's beloved children's book about the misadventures of a Peruvian bear, is still slated for release on Christmas Day in the U.S. by The Weinstein Co. and Dimension Films. The release date will not be affected, and the search is on for a replacement.

“It’s been bittersweet to see this delightful creature take shape and come to the sad realization that he simply doesn’t have my voice,” the actor said in a statement. “I’ve had the joy of seeing most of the film and it’s going to be quite wonderful. I still feel rather protective of this bear and I’m pestering them all with suggestions for finding a voice worthy of him.”

Paul King directed Paddington from his adapted script. The project also stars Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent and Peter Capaldi.

Jennifer Wolfe's picture

Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.