Johnny Depp Resigns From Fantastic Beasts Role

The role of Grindelwald will be given a new face for the third outing

Johnny Depp has revealed he has resigned from his role of Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise. The Rango unveiled the news via a statement on his Instagram page.

This follows Depp’s recent loss in his legal battle against The Sun newspaper. The outlet published an article calling the Edward Scissorhands actor as a “wife beater”, accusing him of assaulting his ex-wife, Aquaman star Amber Heard.

Depp’s instagram statement concerning being asked to resign can be see below:

Depp first appeared as Grindelwald for a cameo appearance in 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. He then took a more central role in 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Warner Bros. have already revealed in a statement themselves that they thank Depp for his commitment and that the role will indeed be recast with a new actor. It is also reported that the actor filmed one scene for the film. Because of this and his ‘pay or play’ contract, Depp will still be payed his eight figure salary.

Fan favourites to replace Depp include Doctor Strange‘s Benedict Cumberbatch, Doctor Who‘s Matt Smith and Hannibal‘s Mads Mikkelsen.

On a lighter note, The threequel will bring back familiar faces. This includes Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore.

The third Fantastic Beasts outing was originally due for release November 12, 2021. However, following Depp’s exit it has now been pushed back to July 15, 2022.