 On May 3 , 2013 , just a month before the film 's premiere , producers 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 already been 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 . " 
