People are still trying to get justice for Johnny Depp after he was forced to resign from Fantastic Beasts 3 shortly after losing the libel case against his ex-wife Amber Heard. However, it looks like Warner Bros. is already moving forward. The studio has just confirmed that Doctor Strange actor Mads Mikkelsen will take over the role of Gellert Grindelwald in the Harry Potter spin-off film series.
In early November, Johnny Depp lost in the libel case against his ex-wife Amber Heard. The news was immediately followed by a shocking post on Depp's official Instagram account confirming that Warner Bros. has asked him to leave Fantastic Beasts 3. In the letter, the former Pirates of the Caribbean star stated that he agreed with the request but also pointed out that he would continue to "fight to tell the truth" and that he intends to appeal.
Since then, fans have been calling for justice for Johnny Depp and also threatening to boycott Fantastic Beasts 3 once the role of Gellert Grindelwald is recast. Interestingly, previous reports were stating that Warner Bros. is planning to cast Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen as the Harry Potter villain although the casting was not immediately confirmed. However, things have changed since then.
According to BBC, Warner Bros. has officially announced that Mads Mikkelsen will play the new Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 3 and is expected to reprise the role in the succeeding movies. The Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actor has yet to confirm the news.
Mads Mikkelsen is best known for playing the titular serial killer in the Hannibal series. He has also appeared in major film franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Star Wars prequel movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Although there is little doubt that Mikkelsen will do an excellent job as Gellert Grindelwald, fans are still wary of the recasting since most people want to see Johnny Depp as the villain.
Fantastic Beasts 3 has not yet been given an official title, but David Yates will direct it. The film will also bring back Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, and Jude Law.
The sequel has already resumed production in September and was already expected to premiere on November 12, 2021. However, due to the recasting and COVID-19 situation, the movie has been moved back and will hit theaters on July 15, 2022.
