In the midst of a heated election, some surprising news has emerged: Actor Johnny Depp is stepping down from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts film series.
According to a statement posted by Johnny Depp on his Instagram, he was asked to leave the Fantastic Beasts film series. In the first two films, Depp played dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, who aims to overtake the non-magical population and rule the world. In Depp’s words: “I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request.”
Read the full statement below:
This news comes just days after Depp lost his libel case against the British tabloid The Sun over a 2018 article alleging he was a “wife beater,” in reference to domestic abuse allegations regarding his ex-wife actress Amber Heard. While these two pieces of news may be connected, there is nothing coming from Depp or Warner Bros. to confirm this is the case.
According to Variety, Warner Bros. confirmed Grindelwald will be recast before the next movie, set to premiere sometimes in 2022. One would assume it would have to be so, given the huge impact Grindelwald has on the events that precede the Harry Potter series. Currently, no name have been put up yet as to who could be in line for it.
The cynic in me wonders if this is, in part, to earn some good will, given that the author J.K. Rowling has doubled-down on her transphobic rhetoric both on social media and her latest novel, moves that have seen a lot of public outcry and potential financial consequences for Rowling’s two major franchises.
