The Fantastic Beasts series will look very different when it returns in 2022, with Mads Mikkelsen officially announced as Johnny Depp’s replacement in the Harry Potter spin-off franchise.
It was confirmed last month that Mikkelsen will portray Gellert Grindelwald in the remaining Fantastic Beasts movies, after Johnny Depp was asked to resign by Warner Bros. following the loss of his libel trial related to domestic abuse allegations by Amber Heard. Mikkelsen, who was reportedly director David Yates’ top choice to replace Depp, has finally opened up about his casting and discussed to Entertainment Weekly what differences fans should expect in Fantastic Beasts 3.
“Well it’s going to be me, so that’s a difference. No, this is the tricky part. We’re still working it out. There has to be a bridge between what Johnny did and what I’m going to do. And at the same time, I also have to make it my own. But also we have to find a few links [to the previous version of the character] and some bridges so it doesn’t completely detach from what he’s already masterfully achieved.”
Mikkelsen, who will no doubt jump straight into the role of Grindelwald, also touched on the somewhat unusual circumstances that led to him being cast in the film.
“Job wise, it’s obviously super interesting and nice. It’s also a shocker that it came after what happened, which is just super sad. I wish both of them the best. These are sad circumstances. I hope both of them will be back in the saddle again really soon.”
The third Fantastic Beasts movie, which is still untitled, is currently scheduled for release I. July 2022. The film is currently in production with director David Yates and the rest of the cast shooting in London.
