As Despicable Me 2 just had its premiere in Colchester we thought to bring to your attention some interesting facts about this American 3D computer-animated comedy film.
1. Al Pacino
In February 2012, it was reported that Al Pacino had joined the cast to voice the villain, Eduardo.
On May 3, 2013, just a month before the
film's premiere, it was announced that Al Pacino had left the film over
creative differences about how his character should come to life. At the time
of his departure, Pacino's character had been already fully voiced and
animated. Chris Renaud, co-director of the film, commented on Pacino's
departure: "So we don't want an unhappy actor, and we want something that
is well-realized on all sides. If you don't see eye to eye, sometimes it's
easier to (part company) and move on from there." Benjamin Bratt, who had
already been considered before Pacino, stepped in to voice Eduardo.
Chris Meledandri, producer of the film, admitted that he was not "aware of any of the major animated films of the last 15 years that has brought an actor in at such a late stage." Due to the finished animation, Bratt had to match his timing exactly to the character's mouth movement. Initially, during his five-day recording, he tried to imitate Pacino's voice, but found it impossible, saying "no one can out-Al Pacino Al Pacino." He ended up only using Pacino as an inspiration, and resolved to go with his own interpretation of the character. His work was commended by Variety, saying: "You'd never guess he wasn't the filmmakers' first choice."
Chris Meledandri, producer of the film, admitted that he was not "aware of any of the major animated films of the last 15 years that has brought an actor in at such a late stage." Due to the finished animation, Bratt had to match his timing exactly to the character's mouth movement. Initially, during his five-day recording, he tried to imitate Pacino's voice, but found it impossible, saying "no one can out-Al Pacino Al Pacino." He ended up only using Pacino as an inspiration, and resolved to go with his own interpretation of the character. His work was commended by Variety, saying: "You'd never guess he wasn't the filmmakers' first choice."
2. Kristen Wiig
Kristen Wiig, on the other hand, who voiced Miss Hattie in the original film, voices Lucy Wilde, an agent of the Anti-Villain League (AVL) who recruits Gru to track and take down a tough, Mexican villain named Eduardo.
A blimp disguised as a Minion, named "Despicablimp,"
has been touring the United States since March 2013 in its six-month tour to
promote the film's release. As one of the largest airships in the world,
measuring 165 feet (50 m) in length, 55 feet (17 m) in height, and
weighting 8,000 pounds (3.6 t), it will cross the country three times
during its 20,000 miles (32,000 km) long tour, visiting hundreds of
events, including the film's premiere in Hollywood.
The blimp, an A-150 model of American Blimp Corporation, can be tracked in real-time via GPS at the Despicablimp Command Center website, which also allows fans to post photos of the sightings, and compete for various prizes, including for a ride with the blimp.
The blimp, an A-150 model of American Blimp Corporation, can be tracked in real-time via GPS at the Despicablimp Command Center website, which also allows fans to post photos of the sightings, and compete for various prizes, including for a ride with the blimp.
