In the Fantastic Beasts franchise, Johnny Depp portrayed the infamous character Gellert Grindelwald. However, due to his highly publicized legal struggles with ex-wife Amber Heard, Warner Bros. requested that he step down from this pivotal role. Reflecting on his departure from the franchise, Depp shared his insights and emotions about the abrupt transition.
During an interview with the Telegraph, Depp remarked, “Listen, they’ve said all kinds of things out there in the world about me, and it doesn’t bother me. I’m not running for office,” emphasizing his resilience amidst public scrutiny. He continued, “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.” Depp’s candidness reflects his commitment to his craft despite external pressures.
When confronted with the studio’s request to resign from the role of Grindelwald, Depp’s response was defiant: “F*** you. There’s far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I’ve already been hurt you’re gravely mistaken.” His statement showcases a fierce determination and an unyielding spirit, indicating that he refuses to let adversity dictate his career choices.
Following Depp’s exit, Warner Bros. quickly cast Mads Mikkelsen to take over the role of Grindelwald. Mikkelsen acknowledged the challenges of stepping into Depp’s shoes, stating that it was indeed a daunting task. He noted that Depp “might” have the opportunity to return to the role in the future, saying, “It was very intimidating. Obviously, well, now the course has changed—he won the suit, the court [case]—so let’s see if he comes back. He might. I’m a big fan of Johnny. I think he’s an amazing actor, I think he did a fantastic job. Having said that, I could not copy it. There’s no way I could just copy it, because it’s so much him. It would be creative suicide.” Despite Mikkelsen’s admiration for Depp, the future of the Fantastic Beasts franchise remains uncertain, especially after the disappointing box office performance of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, which has been noted as the lowest-grossing film in the Wizarding World series.
Looking ahead, Depp is set to star in Day Drinker, an upcoming thriller directed by Marc Webb, known for The Amazing Spider-Man. This film features Depp alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. In this gripping narrative, a private yacht bartender (Cline) encounters a mysterious guest (Depp) onboard. Their fateful meeting leads to entanglements with a criminal figure (Cruz), resulting in unexpected connections and twists that promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about Depp potentially reprising his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow in a future Pirates of the Caribbean installment. This prospect has fans buzzing with excitement, as Depp’s portrayal of the beloved character has left an indelible mark on the franchise and has garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide.
