On November 25th, 2020, Warner Bros. Studio sent out an official announcement that Johnny Depp, one of Hollywood’s most notable actors, had been replaced in the third installment of the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise. 

They stated, “Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date. Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast.”

Depp has recently been met with much negative publicity and lost career opportunities due to his divorce from his second wife, Amber Heard. Heard has accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive towards her during their fifteen-month marriage.

However, Depp has rebutted, claiming, “She hit, punched, and kicked me. She also repeatedly and frequently threw objects into my body and head, including heavy bottles, soda cans, burning candles, television remote controls, and paint thinner cans, which severely injured me.” 

Many celebrities came to the defense including Depp’s daughter, Lily Rose Depp, and his former partners, Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis who asserted that during their years together, he’d been nothing but kind and respectful. 

Nevertheless, he was labeled a “wife-beater” by the Sun Newspaper after losing the libel case. He would soon step down from his role as Grindelwald, a powerful and evil wizard in the Harry Potter world.

Mads Mikkelsen, a Danish actor known for his role as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the Hannibal show, has been set to replace Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts.

When interviewed about his new role, he said, “…There has to be a bridge between what Johnny did and what I’m going to do… But also we have to find a few links and some bridges so it doesn’t completely detach from what he’s already masterfully achieved.”

On November 6, Depp announced on Instagram, “In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement. Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern… 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.”

Depp only filmed one scene in the film but still received the eight-figure salary that was promised to him before the replacement. Fantastic Beasts 3 is set to reach theaters on July 15, 2022.