After rumors earlier this month that Mads Mikkelsen would be taking over Johnny Depp’s role as Grindelwald in the third Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film, Warner Brother has today confirmed those rumors. The news comes after Depp’s libel case against the The Sun, a publication which called him a “wife beater,” was ruled against him. A few days later Depp made an announcement on social media that he is parting ways from the film after being asked to resign by Warner Brothers. Depp will still be paid for the work he has already performed in the film.
Mikkelsen was the top choice for the recast by director David Yates. The Danish actor is best known for Casino Royale, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Doctor Strange and NBC’s Hannibal. In the US he is a popular choice for villainous roles, making him an appropriate fit to take on the antagonist role in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Mikkelsen can next be seen in Chaos Walking alongside Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley, and Danish award-winning film Another Round. Depp’s next onscreen appearance will be in photojournalist drama Minamata, scheduled for release in February 2021.
Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and according to Variety, only one scene that included Depp will need to be reshot. It is currently scheduled for theatrical release on July 15, 2022.
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