Johnny Depp’s reported ‘Fantastic Beasts’ replacement responds to rumors

Last week, rumors began to swirl that Mads Mikkelsen is set to replace Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts 3.

Now, Mikkelsen has finally responded to those casting rumors and if he is really taking on Grindelwald in the upcoming film.

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Earlier this month, Depp revealed that he was asked to step down from his role in Fantastic Beasts by Warner Bros. The news arrived just days after Depp lost a libel case against the U.K.-based tabloid The Sun over a 2018 article alleging he was a “wife beater.” In his statement, Depp confirmed that he plans to appeal the ruling.

 

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Shortly following this, rumors began to swirl that Mikkelsen may be the actor replacing Depp. According to Variety, Mikkelsen is reportedly “in early talks” to replace Depp in the upcoming film. Warner Bros. is trying to recast the role as soon as possible so the project can stay on schedule.

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Fans of the franchise have had a lot of mixed reactions to the casting rumors. Although some believe Mikkelsen will do a great job in the role, others think Depp should have never been asked to resign in the first place.

Mads Mikkelsen is a great actor no doubt. But WB has done Johnny Depp so dirty, that people must not stop demanding justice. It’s just wrong.

— KeepRocking (@truthhurts06) November 11, 2020

I love Mads Mikkelsen. He’s a great versatile actor & good looking, too. But to replace Johnny Depp w/o looking thoroughly on his case, sorry Warner Bros. You failed big time, I’ll pass on Fantastic Beasts. I’ll support other movies of Mads instead.#justiceforjohnnydepp#mentoo

— ????✠??????✠????? (@disintegrating) November 11, 2020

Now, Mikkelsen has finally responded to the rumors that he is replacing Depp in Fantastic Beasts 3. As it turns out, it appears Warner Bros. may not have found their Grindelwald replacement after all.

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Speaking to IGN, Mikkelsen denies he has been asked to step in as Grindelwald for the upcoming film. He claims that he knows just as much as the newspapers about the casting rumors.

“Oh, that is on the rumor basis as we speak,” he says. “So I know as much as you do from the newspapers, I’m waiting for that phone call.”

So, for now, it looks like Warner Bros. is still searching for someone to replace Depp in Fantastic Beasts 3. Filming for the upcoming movie is currently underway following coronavirus delays. The franchise’s star Eddie Redmayne confirmed that production had begun back in September.

The plot for Fantastic Beasts 3 is anticipated to focus on the complex relationship between Grindelwald and Jude Law’s Dumbledore. However, it’s unknown how the casting changes will impact the film’s overall plot. For now, Fantastic Beasts 3 is slated to be released in the summer of 2022 after its November 12, 2021 release date was delayed.