The popular Danish actor will overtake the role that Johnny held in the first two Fantastic Beasts movie. A valid confirmation of the previous rumor which claims Mikkelsen (“The Hunt,” “Hannibal”) as being top choice to substitute Depp.
In a tweet, Depp validates by stating:
“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.”
Effectively, Mads Mikkelsen will be joining the film’s staple casts, including Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), Katherine Waterston (Porpentina Goldstein), Dan Fogler (Jakob Kowalski), etc.
In recent years, Johnny Depp has been having a tough time following a string of mishaps originating from a marital dispute with Amber Heard (“Aquaman“). The incipient being a case of then-Johnny Depp’s wife, Heard, suing over a case of domestic abuse. An issue that was tied to divorce, barely a few years after privately tying the knot in 2015.
In July 2020, Depp filed a complaint of libel against The Sun’s publisher for an article that branded him a “wife-beater.” The case was dismissed from the UK court in favor of the News Group Newspapers and its executive editor, Dan Wootton.
A year earlier, the Oscar-nominated actor filed a legal charge against his former wife. Particularly over an op-ed at the Washington Post. Depp sued Amber Heard for $50 million for defamation. Claiming the accused to be making an “elaborate hoax to generate positive publicity.” The case remains ongoing to this day, particularly in the US.
Despite the option of leaving, Johnny Depp will not be exiting his role empty-handed. Depp, who only managed to film a single scene, is legible for the 8-figure salary he was about to receive. The confirmation comes from The Hollywood Reporter, who covered the topic previously.
Despite losing the legal case overseas, Johnny Depp’s friend and former wife remain loyal and supportive. Ryder, in particular, cites violence as the farthest thing about his former spouse’s character. Essentially, in disbelief over the claim that says otherwise.
Paradis corroborates by openly disputing Amber Heard’s serious accusations against Depp.