Javier Bardem is no longer in talks for a role in the Despicable Me sequel, it has been reported.

The No Country For Old Men actor - who is married to fellow Spanish star Penelope Cruz - was reported to be in negotiations about voicing a baddie called El Macho in the eagerly anticipated follow-up to the 2010 animated comedy film.

However, according to The Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog, the 42-year-old Oscar-winner is no longer attached to the project.

Steve Carell is set to reprise his role as a villainous mastermind in the sequel, along with most of the voice actors from the original film such as Jason Segel, Russell Brand, Julie Andrews and Will Arnett.

Plot details for Despicable Me 2, set for a 2013 release, are being kept under wraps.