Johnny Depp will be portkeying out of the “Harry Potter” franchise.
What’s going on?
Depp will not longer portray Gellert Grindelwald in the “Fantastic Beasts” series of films, leaving the franchise after a recent scandal involving his ex-wife.
- “I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request,” Depp wrote Friday on Instagram.
- “I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days.”
- “Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the U.K. will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal,” he said. “My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time.”
Warner Bros. confirmed the decision in a statement to Variety:
- “Johnny Depp will depart the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date,” the studio said. “‘Fantastic Beasts 3’ is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast. The film will debut in theaters worldwide in the summer of 2022.”
Flashback:
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Earlier this week, Depp lost a libel case against News Group Newspapers, publisher of The Sun, over an article that alleged Depp was a “wife beater.” He still plans to appeal the ruling, according to Variety.