Big upset tonight for the Fantastic Beasts franchise as star Johnny Depp has been dropped by Warner Brothers according to the star.
Depp, who played the villain of the franchise, Gellert Grindelwald, lost a libel lawsuit – and no, we aren’t getting into that – with The Sun newspaper in the UK over abuse allegations between him and ex-wife amber Heard, and it’s no doubt this played a part in the decision to, em, leave.
Now, Warners themselves have not said they asked him to leave but have confirmed his character is being recast moving forward.
“In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement,” Depp’s statement (below) says.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days.”
“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,” he added, saying that “the surreal judgement of the court in the U.K. will not change my fight to tell the truth, and I confirm that I plan to appeal. My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time.”
Of course, the big question is now, who will play the role moving forward?
Well, Colin Farrell played him in the first Fantastic Beasts movie, before being revealed to be Depp in disguise near the end, so speculation – and fans – seem to favour his return now that Depp is gone.
What say you all? Should he be gone? Are you annoyed? Should Farrell return? Let me know your thoughts, gang…
Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production. The film will debut in theaters worldwide in the summer of 2022
View this post on Instagram
Marc
Marc is a self-confessed nerd. Ever since seeing Star Wars for the first time around 1979 he’s been an unapologetic fan of the Wars and still believes, with Clone Wars and now Underworld, we are yet to see the best Star Wars. He’s a dad of two who now doesn’t have the time (or money) to collect the amount of toys, comics, movies and books he once did, much to the relief of his long-suffering wife. In the real world he’s a graphic designer. He started Following the Nerd because he was tired of searching a million sites every day for all the best news that he loves and decided to create one place where you can go to get the whole lot. Secretly he longs to be sitting in the cockpit of his YT-1300 Corellian Transport ship with his co-pilot Chewie, roaming the universe, waiting for his next big adventure, but feels just at home watching cartoons with his kids….
Nerd Comments