In what sounds like an amicable separation, Colin Firth will no longer provide the voice for Paddington Bear in the upcoming movie based on the beloved fictional character from children’s literature created by Michael Bond in 1958.
Both Firth and director Paul King issued a statement (via EW) in what Firth referred to as a “conscious uncoupling”, poking fun at the statement made by Gwyneth Paltrow upon separating from her husband. Firth added:
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.
King’s statements were very similar as this clearly wasn’t a contentious parting of ways:
I cannot thank [Firth] 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.
Paddington hits theaters late November in the UK and on December 25 here in the States so I would expect a new voice will be announced soon. Have any suggestions?
