Comedian Russell Brand has been quietly removed from his role in the Despicable Me film franchise following allegations of sex abuse. Brand, who voiced the character Dr. Nefario, was replaced by fellow comic Romesh Ranganathan in the latest installment of the blockbuster series.
The allegations against Brand surfaced last September when four women accused him of sexual offences, including rape, that allegedly took place between 2006 and 2013. Despite denying the allegations, Brand was questioned by the police in December over additional sex offences. As a result, he had to cancel stand-up gigs and was dropped by his agent.
Brand had been a part of the Despicable Me franchise since the first film in 2010, voicing the character Dr. Nefario in three films, including the prequel Minions: The Rise of Gru in 2022. However, he has now turned to making money through his online platform Rumble, where he shares his rants with his 1.4 million followers.
A movie insider expressed surprise at Brand’s removal from the franchise, noting that he had been a fixture in the series since the beginning. The replacement of Brand with Ranganathan in Despicable Me 4 was done without much fanfare, leading to speculation that the change was made hastily and quietly.
Despicable Me 4, which was released last month, features comedy stars Steve Carell and Will Ferrell alongside Ranganathan. The film has been a commercial success, grossing £590 million worldwide and over £31 million in the UK.
The decision to drop Brand from the film franchise reflects the growing scrutiny and consequences faced by individuals in the entertainment industry who are accused of misconduct. It also highlights the shifting dynamics in Hollywood and the importance of accountability in the #MeToo era.