EPA/NEIL HALL
Johnny Depp has agreed to resign from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise after losing his libel case in the U.K.
Depp shared that Warner Bros. asked him to resign from the part and that he has agreed. “In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement,” Depp wrote on Instagram Friday. “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.”
Depp continued, “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.”
“Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the U.K. will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal,” Depp concluded. “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.”
Depp first played the role of Grindelwald in the 2016 Harry Potter spinoff film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. He returned to the role in the 2018 sequel Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and was set to play the role in the third follow-up, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 3. Warner Bros. confirmed that it will recast Depp’s role before the third installment debuts in theaters in 2022.
Depp’s libel case was against The Sun newspaper over their 2018 story describing him as a “wife-beater” during his marriage to Amber Heard. On Monday, presiding judge Mr. Justice Nicol ruled that The Sun‘s article was “substantially true” in a statement delivered through the UK Ministry of Justice.
Olivia Di Pede
Olivia loves all things fashion, beauty, and entertainment. In her free time, she can be found taking yoga classes, reading thriller novels, and styling outfits on Instagram.