Johnny Depp has recently shared his thoughts on his exit from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, highlighting the circumstances surrounding his departure. In an interview with The Telegraph, he recounted how Warner Bros. requested him to leave his role as Gellert Grindelwald during a tumultuous period in his life, specifically amid his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard.
Depp was in the midst of filming the third installment of the series when he received the news, describing the experience as a forced retirement rather than a voluntary resignation. “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,” he stated, emphasizing his strong reaction with defiance.
Mads Mikkelsen took over Depp’s role as Grindelwald following the actor’s departure, bringing a new interpretation to the character. Mikkelsen has hinted that there could still be a chance for Depp to return, acknowledging the controversy that surrounded the initial casting change.
Despite the challenges Depp has faced, there are positive developments on the horizon for him. He is currently involved in new projects, including an upcoming thriller called Day Drinker. Additionally, speculation surrounds his potential comeback as Captain Jack Sparrow in a future Pirates of the Caribbean film, rekindling hope among fans.
Depp’s influential legacy as a versatile actor continues to resonate, with many looking forward to his return to major franchises in the industry. His performances have left an enduring impact on cinema, and optimism remains for his future endeavors.