It looks like the makers of Fantastic Beasts 3 might have got their new Gellert Grindelwald. Danish actor, Mads Mikkelsen famous for portraying Dr. Hannibal in the TV series, Hannibal is currently in talks with Warner Bros. He will replace Johnny Depp who left the role after a torrid libel case which he lost.
Last week, Johnny Depp had stated that he is exiting the film after losing a libel case against a British Tabloid which called him a ‘wife-beater’. His ex-wife, actress, Amber Heard had made the allegations of abuse against him.
As soon as the news of Depp losing the case and exiting the film broke out, Warner Bros. assured fans that they will recast the role.
Fantastic Beasts 3 had begun shooting before the pandemic and had to stop production in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Production on the film has now restarted again in the UK.
Further information through a source mentioned to Variety that Johnny Depp shot only one scene as Grindelwald before leaving the film. This makes it easy for Mikkelsen as he won’t have to shoot many portions from the start again.
In 2006 Mads Mikkelsen came into international prominence when he starred as a Bond villain in the 21st James Bond film, Casino Royale. He played the role of Le Chiffre in the film which turned out to be a memorable turning point for his career.
MCU fans will remember him as Kaecilius, the villain in the blockbuster, Doctor Strange.
Fantastic Beasts film franchise already boasts a strong cast of actors including Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Jude Law, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, and Ezra Miller.
David Yates is directing the film, with a screenplay that JK Rowling and Steve Kloves have written. While the film’s producers are JK Rowling, Kloves, David Heyman, and Lionel Wigram.
If the shoot goes as per schedule then the film will release on July 15, 2022.
We think that with Depo’s exit, Mads is certainly going to a good choice for the role. What do you think about this? Tell us below.