Why was Johnny Depp replaced as Grindelwald?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 23, 2026
Mikkelsen was tapped to replace Depp in the role of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald after Depp lost a high-profile libel suit against Britain's The Sun tabloid newspaper in 2020.
Why did they get rid of Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts?
Johnny Depp's exit from Fantastic Beasts
In November 2020, Depp revealed he will no longer play Grindelwald in the film series after he lost his libel case relating to abuse allegations by former wife, actor Amber Heard against a UK newspaper.
Why was the Grindelwald actor change?
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about his role as the movie's villain, Mikkelsen explained that it was a deliberate movie on the part of the creative team to not provide and in-universe explanation behind Grindelwald's recasting. "That was very deliberate," Mikkelsen says.
Did Johnny Depp replace Fantastic Beasts?
Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen took over the role of the villainous Gellert Grindelwald from Johnny Depp in the third instalment of Fantastic Beasts franchise, The Secrets of Dumbledore. In a new interview, he said that he was given two days to decide if he wanted the job.
Will Johnny Depp ever act again?
Johnny Depp insists that Hollywood has boycotted him, but overseas he's poised to make a big-screen return. His new film, Jeanne Du Barry, will be pitched for presales at the Cannes market later this month, Deadline reported on Tuesday. The project would mark Depp's first feature since 2020's Minamata.
35 related questions foundIs Johnny Depp returning as Grindelwald?
Warner Bros. asked Depp to exit the movie following his libel case against The Sun. Mikkelsen was brought in to replace Depp. By taking over the role of Grindelwald, Mikkelsen becomes the primary antagonist of the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise.
Who will replace Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts 3?
Fantastic Beasts 3: Why Johnny Depp was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald. (Image credit: Warner Bros.)
Who will recast Grindelwald?
Mads Mikkelsen replaced Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald for Fantastic Beasts 3, with the actor's casting officially confirmed in late-November 2020.
Will Johnny Depp return as Grindelwald 2021?
No, Johnny Depp is not in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore and is not expected to reprise his role as Grindelwald in the series. Depp was involved in a lot of controversy with Amber Heard while the film was in pre-production and Warner Bros.
Is Voldemort a Grindelwald?
For the Greater Good. Gellert Grindelwald's slogan. Gellert Grindelwald (1883-1998) was considered to be one of the most powerful Dark Wizards of all time, second only to Tom Marvolo Riddle, who later became known as Lord Voldemort. He was schooled at Durmstrang Institute until his expulsion.
Will Johnny Depp be in Pirates of the Caribbean six?
Depp testified that even after Disney contemplated removing him from “Pirates 6,” the company still featured his character at theme parks around the world. “They didn't remove my character from the rides,” he said. “They didn't stop selling dolls of Captain Jack Sparrow.
What's after the crimes of Grindelwald?
The third movie in the series and a sequel to 2018's Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Fantastic Beasts 3 is directed by David Yates, with a screenplay by J. K. Rowling and Steve Kloves. The film will see the return of Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, with a dangerous new mission.
Is there a 3rd Fantastic Beasts book?
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore - The Complete Screenplay (Fantastic Beasts, Book 3)
Will there be a 3rd fantastic beast movie?
The film is due to arrive in April 2022 and will see the return of David Yates, director of the later four Harry Potter films and the first two Fantastic Beasts movies.
Why won't Johnny Depp do another Pirates of the Caribbean?
The Disney film franchise's sixth installment has been stalled for years due to various internal shakeups, including leading man Johnny Depp's legal and personal troubles pertaining to ex-wife Amber Heard's allegations of domestic abuse.
Why isn t Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean?
WASHINGTON: Johnny Depp was dropped from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise because of the domestic abuse allegations made by Amber Heard, his former Hollywood agent said Wednesday, backing up the actor's claim against his ex-wife.
Is Grindelwald a Slytherin?
Book 1 - The Prince of Slytherin
Grindelwald is mentioned by Ron Weasley, who erroneously states he was sorted into Slytherin House at Hogwarts.
Can Voldemort beat Grindelwald?
13 Voldemort: Ended Grindelwald's Life
Perhaps one of the most significant ways Voldemort triumphed over Grindelwald is that he was the one who killed the other dark wizard. That said, Grindelwald wasn't at the height of his power, so it wasn't a fair fight.
Who's worse Grindelwald or Voldemort?
Since Voldemort wins most of these points, he takes home the title of being the worse warlord of the wizarding world. He was more cunning, naturally talented, feared, and above all powerful, compared to Grindelwald.
Was Gellert Grindelwald powerful?
How powerful exactly is he? Gellert Grindelwald was one of the most powerful and dangerous Dark Wizards of all time. He is maybe even more powerful than Voldemort himself, even though Voldemort was the one who was the death of him.
Is Tom Riddle in Fantastic Beasts?
So far, Fantastic Beasts hasn't featured a young Tom Riddle, but it wouldn't be surprising if the final movie (whether Secrets of Dumbledore or another one) shows Riddle graduating Hogwarts and creating his first Horcruxes, linking the series to that of Harry Potter.
How is Grindelwald related to Voldemort?
Gellert Grindelwald (c. 1883 – March 1998) was a Dark Wizard who was considered to be amongst one of the most powerful and notorious wizards of all time, his only superiors being Albus Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort.
Is Grindelwald a pureblood?
It's difficult to find out anything about Grindelwald, as there is very little information about Gellert Grindelwald's past. However, by some evidence, it can well be concluded that he was in-fact a pure blood.
What was Grindelwald's famous slogan?
"I wish you were working with me now. Towards a world where we wizards are free to live openly, and to love freely,"