Johnny Depp is now entirely out of the Fantastic Beasts franchise. And now the filmmakers, reportedly, found the perfect actor to replace him. Earlier this month, Johnny Depp revealed that Warner Bros asked him to give up his role as Grindelwald. The actor wrote–
“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.”
This development has put an end to his 4-year stint as the franchise’s main antagonist. Although it has only been days since he gave up the role, David Yates and Warner Bros reportedly found the replacement already.
It was fantastic. When he starts speaking you could've heard a pin drop. There was this aura in the room. It was incredible.~Jude Law about Johnny Depp's performance as Grindelwald.
There won't be another Grindelwald like him. He's unique. We want him back. #JusticeForJohnnyDepp pic.twitter.com/K5XPkx0djT
— Savvy? 🏴☠️ (@Savvy_CapJackie) November 12, 2020
Johnny Depp Replaced By Doctor Strange Actor
It is being said that Yates now eyes Mads Mikkelsen to join the team. Reportedly, they are already in early talks with the actor. However, no confirmation has been released as yet.
Mikkelsen is best known for his portrayal as Dr Hannibal Lecter in psychological horror-thriller series Hannibal. Also, the Bond villain in Casino Royale and the antagonist Kaecilius in the Marvel movie Doctor Strange. And the lead role in the Oscar-nominated Danish drama The Hunt.
Apparently, Yates is desperate to cast someone as soon as possible to meet their summer 2022 release deadline. And Depp, despite leaving the film, will still get his over $10 million paycheck. In the meantime, filming continues even without Grindelwald. Currently, Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law are shooting the other parts of the film.
Fans Petition To Get Depp back
Amid these updates, fans launched a petition to support Depp. Lepplady created Bring Johnny Depp back to Fantastic Beasts this year. Over 120,000 users already signed on the petition — a few thousand left toward their 150,000 signatures goal.
Furthermore, both Rowling and Yates had even defended Depp’s presence in Fantastic Beasts in 2018, with the author saying she was “genuinely happy to have” him and implied that fans don’t have the full story.
