Johnny Depp has finally opened up about his sudden exit from the Fantastic Beasts film series. The actor revealed that Warner Bros. essentially wanted him to retire from the role of Gellert Grindelwald.
JOHNNY DEPP VS THE SUN NEWSPAPER
He recalled the moment he was asked to step down during filming. “It literally stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said we’d like you to resign.
But what was really in my head was they wanted me to retire”.
Johnny Depp’s departure came in November 2020, following his highly publicised legal battle with The Sun newspaper, according to Deadline.
The tabloid had labelled him a “wife-beater” during his marriage to Amber Heard, allegations he denied. After losing the libel case, Warner Bros. requested Depp’s resignation from the franchise.
JOHNNY DEPP AND THE FANTASTIC BEAST’S FRANCHISE
Depp complied and stated, “I wish to let you know that Warner Bros. has asked me to resign from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts.”
I have respected and agreed to that request”.
However, Johnny Depp’s recent comments to The Telegraph were more defiant. When asked about the recasting, he responded bluntly, “F**** you. There’s far too many of me to kill.
Johnny Depp said, “If you think you can hurt me more than I’ve already been hurt, you’re gravely mistaken.” His words reveal the deep frustration he feels about how they handled the situation.
JOHNNY DEPP AS GRINDEWALD
Johnny Depp first appeared as Grindelwald at the end of 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, with Colin Farrell playing the character’s disguised form.
He reprised the role in 2018’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
After his departure, Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen took over the role for the 2022 film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. This film became the final movie in the planned series.
Warner Bros. has “parked” the Fantastic Beasts franchise since the release of the third film, with no new movies announced or in active development.
PUBLIC CONTROVERSIES IN HOLLYWOOD
Johnny Depp’s story is a reminder of how public controversies can impact international film careers and franchises.
His candid remarks highlight the pressures actors face behind the scenes, beyond their on-screen performances.
Johnny Depp’s experience also raises questions about the intersection of personal life and professional opportunities in the global entertainment industry.
This was as a significant chapter in Depp’s career, reflecting both the challenges and the enduring spirit of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.
DO YOU BELIEVE WARNER BROS. MADE THE RIGHT DECISION TO RECAST GRINDELWALD?
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