In a surprising move, Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal, Rogue One) is in early talks to take Johnny Depp’s place as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the third Fantastic Beasts film.
Depp had to quit the franchise during shooting after warner Brothers Pictures requested he do so. According to the Wrap, Depp’s yet to shoot any scenes for the film, so there’s no need for any reshoots.
Depp portrayed Grindelwald in the first two Fantastic Beasts films. His role is pivotal to the franchise, so it’ll be interesting to see how the screenplay accommodates the recast.
The studio forced Depp out after the actor lost a recent libel case against the UK tabloid The Sun. The publication labelled Depp a “wife beater”, but according to a statement, Depp plans to appeal the UK courts decision.
The studio has yet to issue a statement regarding Mads Mikkelsen and Fantastic Beasts 3.
