The sudden reveal of veteran actor Johnny Depp saddened fans on his Instagram that he is bidding goodbye to his Grindelwald role in Fantastic Beasts.
According to Depp’s post, Warner Bros. asked him to step out of his franchise role, and he accepted the suggestion. Warner Bros. also confirmed that the news is real.
Just like the Harry Potter franchise that is not directly based on books, Fantastic Beasts also has an iceberg of possibilities and can make dozens of installments depending on one’s range of imaginations. However, these said installments would not see a prolific Depp anymore.
Depp is supposed to appear in the future installments in the franchise. He kicked off his appearance in the second chapter of the franchise but is notedly not the lead cast.
Warner Bros. has recently published a short statement, but it did not cite the main score and separation nature. But who knows, with the vast unforeseen future, maybe he can make a comeback.
Johnny Depp has recently been entangled in a controversy with a British tabloid. The said journal characterized the actor as having abusive behavior.
Notedly, the news about the separation came just days after he lost a libel lawsuit against the British tabloid.
Now, it sounds like there is a connection between the events surrounding back-and-forth allegations between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard.
Meanwhile, Depp did not specify these reasons in his letter, but he did bring the trial up, pledging to appeal the ruling.
Depp’s statement reads, “In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement.”
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He continued, “I wish to let you know that I was asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my Grindelwald role in the Fantastic Beasts, and I have respected and agreed to that request.”
The actor added that the surreal judgment of the court in the U.K. would not change his fight. He also confirmed that he is planning to appeal.
“My resolution remains strong, and I intend to prove that all the allegations against me are false. This moment in time will not define my life and career.”
Meanwhile, in the statement of Warner Bros., it said that Johnny Depp would depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
“We thank Johnny for his efforts on the movies to date. Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and the Gellert Grindelwald role will be recast. In the summer of 2022, the film will debut in theaters worldwide.”