Johnny Depp Resigns From Fantastic Beasts Role As Grindelwald After Losing UK Libel Suit

Fantastic Beasts spoilers reveal that the third film in the franchise is in production in London but Johnny Depp will not be in it. Johnny Depp was the villain Grindelwald but the actor has officially resigned from the role, with some observers saying he was forced to quit following the loss of an ugly court case with ex-wife Amber Heard.

Johnny Depp posted this letter on November 6: “In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement. Firstly, 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. Secondly, 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.”

His statement comes three years after Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling defended casting him and four days after the actor lost his libel suit against The Sun in regard to an article that claimed allegations of abuse toward ex-wife, Amber Heard.

Johnny Depp resigns from FantasticBeasts after the loss of his UK libel suit

The franchise stars Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander and Jude Law as a younger Albus Dumbledore. Depp’s statement continued: “Finally I wish to say this. The surreal judgment of the court in the U.K. will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm I plan to appeal. 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. Thank you for reading. Sincerely, Johnny Depp.”

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Depp had sued Britain’s The Sun newspaper, its executive editor Dan Wootton, and its publisher, News Group Newspapers over an article that called him a “wife-beater.”

This week Justice Andrew Nicol ruled that News Group and Wootton, “have shown that what they published … was substantially true. I have found that the great majority of alleged assaults of Ms. Heard by Mr. Depp have been proved to the civil standard.”

Johnny Depp says he plans to appeal his libel case

Due to Heard’s allegations, Depp’s involvement in the Fantastic Beasts series became a hotly contested point of contention.

Author Rowling wrote in a 2017 essay, “When Johnny Depp was cast as Grindelwald, I thought he’d be wonderful in the role. However, around the time of filming his cameo in the first movie, stories had appeared in the press that deeply concerned me and everyone most closely involved in the franchise.” That concern is no longer needed as Depp is officially out.

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