Fantastic Beasts star breaks silence on being re-cast in the movies

EntertainmentMovie
9 Jul 2025 • 1:45 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Johnny Depp has finally spoken about being asked to resign from the Fantastic Beasts franchise by Warner Bros.
  • His departure in November 2020 stemmed from his libel battle with News Group Newspapers over domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
  • Depp told The Telegraph he felt 'shunned, dumped, [and] cancelled' in the aftermath, believing the studio wanted him to retire.
  • A June 2022 jury found Amber Heard defamed Depp, awarding him over $10m in damages, while Heard received $2m in damages in her counter-suit.
  • Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen replaced Depp as Gellert Grindelwald, admitting it was 'very intimidating' to take on the role.

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