Christopher Lee and a number of other characters have been cut from the upcoming "Sweeney Todd" film starring Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter reports Playbill.

A DreamWorks Studios representative confirmed reports that the ghost characters -- including Lee's "Gentleman Ghost" who does not appear in the original Stephen Sondheim stage musical -- have been cut from the film.

Lee isn't too upset though, telling The Telegraph that "It would have been worse if I had done the scenes, but I never got to film them. It's a shame as the lyrics were wonderful, but these things happen."

Work continues on 'Todd' at London's Pinewood Studios for the film, slated for a December 21st limited release.