On Dec. 7, 2017, J. K. Rowling published long declaration to her website in support of Johnny Depp, the actor pasted casting for the role dark warlock Gellert Grindelwald in the “Fantastic Beasts” film franchise, part of Rowling’s “Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. For over a year, Depp has been pursued by newspaper headline about his breakup with Amber Heard, who claimed Depp had continually naturally and verbally abused her. Preparatory to the #MeToo movement gained immense popularity in late 2017, many of Rowling’s followers had made quite clear how disappointed they were that, after shortly appearing in 2016’s “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” Depp decided to continue working on “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” in spite of Heard’s statements.
In her statement which was supported by the same declaratin s from director David Yates and Warner Bros. Rowling assured fans that she understood and appreciated their concerns, but the filmmakers will stick to the original cast and truly happy to have Johnny playing a main character in the movies.”
Three years later, on Nov. 6, Depp declare on Instagram that Warner Bros. had asked him to refuse from acting Grindelwald in the third “Fantastic Beasts” movie. “I have respected and agreed to that request,” the actor wrote. Warner Bros. confirmed Depp’s leaving and thanked for the work, added that the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be redone. Rowling has not yet commented on Depp’s leaving, but has signed a contract with Warner Bros.
“Fantastic Beasts 3” filmed for almost two months in the UK, Depp left the set after one scene shot. The replacement actor not found yet. The most evident nominee, Colin Farrell who played a masked Grindelwald in the first “Fantastic Beasts” film most likely will not be able to work, since he is busy filming in “The Batman”, filmed in London.
So what changes in films “Fantastic Beasts” caused Depp’s departure? Answer: three situations.
On Nov. 2, Depp lost his slander lawsuit against News Group Newspapers.
“The Crimes of Grindelwald” was inferior in views and collected $654 million at the world box office, which is the lowest among the films of the "magic world".
Most crucially, since “The Crimes of Grindelwald” wrapped production, AT&T merged with Warner Bros.’ parent company Time Warner, ushering in sweeping changes at what is now dubbed WarnerMedia, including a new CEO in Jason Kilar and a new studio chief in Ann Sarnoff. After the merger, a lack of tolerance for the contradictions that arise with talanted and popular stars, like Depp, in the course of work appeared in the company's policy.
In addition, there is still a huge cloud of contradictions around other participants in the franchise, so the lost court allowed the actor to be released from further participation in the project. Anyone replacing him as Grindelwald will also have to act in two more parts “Fantastic Beasts” films, as Rowling told earlier it would be a five-film franchise.
