It looks like Warners Bros may have already found a replacement for Johnny Depp in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts film.
Last week, it was confirmed that Johnny had stepped down the role of Grindelwald, a character first introduced in the Harry Potter book series, at the request of Warner Bros.
“In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement,” he wrote.
“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 that and agreed to that request.”
In their own statement, Warner Bros announced their intention to recast the role of Grindelwald, saying: “We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date.
“Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast. The film will debut in theatres worldwide in the summer of 2022.”
Multiple US outlets, including Variety and Deadline, have now reported that Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen is in talks to take over the role of Grindelwald in the third Fantastic Beasts film, for which Johnny had filmed just one scene before his exit from the franchise.
HuffPost UK has contacted representatives for both Mads Mikkelsen and Warner Bros for comment.
Mads’ past big-screen roles include playing James Bond villain Le Chiffre in Casino Royale and research scientist Galen Erso in the Star Wars spin-off Rogue One.
His other recent credits include the Van Gogh biopic At Eternity’s Gate, taking the lead in the TV series Hannibal and playing the “The Accountant” in Rihanna’s controversial Bitch Better Have My Money music video.
Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently slated for release on 15 July 2022, following setbacks due to Johnny Depp’s departure and the coronavirus pandemic.