Michael Sheen’s role has been axed from the upcoming Pixar film Finding Dory.

The Masters of Sex star admitted being “very sad” about his voicework in the Finding Nemo sequel being cut, but said the snub had been a good check for his ego.

Michael SheenMichael Sheen at Into Film 2016 (Ian West/PA)

Speaking at Into Film 2016, he told Magic Radio: “I got a phone call saying I’m not in that (Finding Dory) any more, they cut me out.

“Unbelievable. I was very sad, I was such a fan of Finding Nemo, but that’s the way it goes, especially with animated films, you never know what’s going to make it to the final cut.

“It’s always a good thing to remember – you can always end up on the cutting room floor.”

Ellen DeGeneresDory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, finally gets her own movie in 2016 (Disney/Pixar)

The Golden Globe-winner did not reveal what character he was due to play in the film, which follows amnesiac blue tang Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) on her mission to find her long-lost mother and father.

But he will definitely be returning for the sequel to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, released in May.

Michael Sheen Alice through the looking glassMichael joins Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska in the Alice sequel (Disney)

Michael reprises his role as The White Rabbit in James Bobin’s Alice Through The Looking Glass, alongside a voice cast that includes Stephen Fry, Dame Barbara Windsor and the late Alan Rickman.

Finding Dory is released in UK cinemas on July 29.