Colin Firth has dropped out of the Paddington Bear movie Paddington.

The actor will no longer voice the beloved children's character in Paul King's adaptation of Michael Bond's stories.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Firth explained that he was unable to find the right voice for the Peruvian bear.

"After a period of denial, we've chosen 'conscious uncoupling," said Oscar winner Firth. "It's been bittersweet to see this delightful creature take shape and come to the sad realisation 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 also confirmed that he is seeking another actor but thanks Firth for all his help.

"I cannot thank [Firth] enough for his contribution to Paddington," he said. "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."

The film, which features Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville and Jim Broadbent, released a full trailer earlier this year, but Firth's voice was not featured.