Johnny Depp to Exit ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Franchise
Johnny Depp will no longer be a part of the Fantastic Beasts’ Franchise, the actor himself revealed on Friday.
Warner Bros. has forced Depp to step down from playing the role of Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts, says Hollywood actor.
The development comes days after he lost his libel case against News Group Newspapers, publisher of The Sun.
In an Instagram post, Depp shared that, “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”.
In his statement, Depp said: “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.”
“Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgment of the court in the U.K. will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal,” he said.
“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”, He concluded.
Warner Bros. has also confirmed Depp’s departure stating that his role will be recast before the third installment in the franchise makes its debut in 2022.
The statement from the studio says: “Johnny Depp will depart the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date”.
“‘Fantastic Beasts 3’ is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast. The film will debut in theaters worldwide in the summer of 2022″, it added.
