Firth: "After a period of denial, we’ve chosen ‘conscious uncoupling.' 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. 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."
Everything does seem to be copacetic between Firth and director Paul King, who had nothing but nice things to say....
King: "I cannot thank him enough for his contribution to Paddington. We love the voice and we love the bear, but as our young bear came into being we agreed that the two didn’t seem to fit. So, with somewhat heavy hearts we decided to part ways.”
A new voice actor will be found in time for Paddington to still hit theaters on Christmas Day.
