Outspoken actor Russell Brand was replaced in the Despicable Me franchise, amid a controversy that saw him face allegations of rape and sexual abuse.

The comedian lent Dr. Nefario in three Despicable Me Films between 2010 and 2022.

But in Despicable Me 4The voice of the character comes from comedian and presenter Romesh Ranganathan, who played Nick in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.

Despicable Me 4was released on July 12 and grossed over $800 million (£630 million) worldwide, including over £28 million ($36 million) in the UK alone.

An inside source told The Sun: “It’s a shock that Russell (Brand) is no longer in the films as he has been in the film since the first one. Also, when Romesh took on the role there was little fanfare from either Universal or the comedian himself. It feels like the film bosses just wanted to make a quick change without anyone really noticing.”

Brand’s dismissal came after he was accused by four women last September of sexual assault, including rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse. The crimes are said to have taken place between 2006 and 2013.

One of Brand’s accusers claimed she was 16 and still in school when she began a relationship – not always consensual – with the star. He has denied all allegations, but was forced to cancel several stand-up gigs and was subsequently dropped by his agent.

Since the allegations were first reported by The Times and Channel 4, he has not appeared in any other films or television programmes as an actor, comedian or presenter. YouTube has also removed ads from his channel.

He was reportedly questioned by the Metropolitan Police in November, but was neither arrested nor charged.

Brand told former Fox News host Tucker Carlson: “This is very, very painful and very, very hurtful. Of course, I deny all allegations of this nature, and what I have seen is the importance of family and the importance of beliefs that go beyond that.”