Russell Brand 'axed' from Despicable Me movie and replaced by British comic
Russell Brand has reportedly been dropped from the Despicable Me franchise and replaced with another actor.
After facing a host of rape and sexual assault allegations in October 2023, Brand will no longer be involved in the next installation of the Gru hit, sources told The Sun.
Brand was the subject of a Dispatches expose last year as part of an investigation with The Sunday Times and The Times on Channel 4.
The documentary went on to detail allegations of abuse from four women, which he strenuously denies.
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The 49-year-old previously voiced the character Dr Nefario, who is a scientist in the animated series, but he’ll now reportedly be replaced by comic Romesh Ranganathan in the role.
The news of his axing has apparently come as a ‘shock’ for the cockney comedian, with a source telling The Sun: “It's a shock Russell is no longer involved in the Despicable Me films because he's been a fixture since the first film.
“Plus, there was little fanfare when Romesh took on the role, neither from Universal nor the comedian himself. It feels like film bosses just wanted to make a quick change without anybody really noticing.”
The latest installment grossed £590million worldwide and £31million in the UK after hitting the cinemas last month.
The flick boasted a star-studded cast with the likes of Steve Carell, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig and Miranda Cosgrove all voicing key characters.
When the claims against Brand came to light, Brand staunchly denied them in a series of YouTube videos and an appearance on Tucker Carlson's show.
Brand said: “I reject the allegations in the strongest possible terms. I am aware I have put myself in an extremely vulnerable position by being very, very promiscuous.
“Attacks like this, accused of what I consider to be the most appalling crimes, is very painful and hurtful. But there are consequences to the foolish way I lived in the past.”
Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon said in a statement at the time: "Whilst the investigation did not find any evidence to suggest that any Channel 4 employees were aware of Russell Brand's alleged behaviour contained in the programme, it did find that one former Channel 4 employee made a serious and concerning allegation about Russell Brand in 2009.
"This was not escalated to Channel 4's then senior management team, nor investigated as it should have been. I have apologised on behalf of the organisation to the individual for this breakdown and for the distress this matter has caused.
"In my view, it is a matter of regret for our industry that repugnant behaviours were tolerated - and indeed appeared on-air - in the past.
"Production staff, employees and suppliers should never experience inappropriate behaviour."
LADbible has contacted representatives of Universal Pictures, Russell Brand and Romesh Ranganathan for comment.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 500 222, available 24/7. If you are currently in danger or need urgent medical attention, you should call 999.
Topics: News, Film, Celebrity, Russell Brand
Britt Jones