Johnny Depp Reveals How He Was Removed from Fantastic Beasts
In a candid interview with The Telegraph, Johnny Depp, who formerly portrayed Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, has finally opened up about the abrupt end to his tenure in the Wizarding World franchise. His words reveal a harrowing moment:
“It literally stopped in a millisecond, like, while I was doing the movie. They said ‘we’d like you to resign.’ But what was really in my head was they wanted me to retire.”
Depp recalled feeling a sudden emotional freeze as mid-filming he was asked to step down. The situation hit a nerve, he responded firmly and defiantly:
“Fuck you. There’s far too many of me to kill. If you think you can hurt me more than I’ve already been hurt you’re gravely mistaken.”
Why Did Warner Bros. Remove Him?
The decisive moment occurred in 2020, following Depp’s high-profile legal battles, most notably his libel case against The Sun. After a UK court upheld allegations of abuse, Warner Bros. requested his resignation. Though he began filming Secrets of Dumbledore, several scenes were already recorded before his departure. Despite leaving the project, Depp reportedly still received his full $16 million salary due to contractual obligations.
The Aftermath: Recasts & Franchise Fallout
Following Depp’s exit, Mads Mikkelsen was brought on board to portray Grindelwald in The Secrets of Dumbledore. Although his performance received praise, the film became the lowest-grossing instalment in the Wizarding World series, bringing the franchise to an indefinite halt.
Mikkelsen later expressed admiration for Depp’s work and left open the possibility of Depp returning to the role. “He might,” he said, referencing Depp’s favourable verdict in the defamation trial.
Where Does Depp Go from Here?
While Fantastic Beasts is shelved for now, Depp’s career is on a rebound. He’s set to star in the thriller Day Drinker, alongside Penélope Cruz, his first U.S.-studio lead since his departure from Fantastic Beasts.
Adding fuel to fan excitement, there are rumours of his return as Captain Jack Sparrow in the next Pirates of the Caribbean, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Why It Matters
Depp’s remarks pull back the curtain on how studios handle scandals involving A-list talent, showing how a phone call mid-shoot can pivot entire franchises. His powerful comeback line also speaks to resilience in the face of public scrutiny and professional upheaval.
What’s Next?
For Depp: Day Drinker marks his next major studio project; fans are watching closely to see if he returns to his titular pirate role. As for the Wizarding World, with the franchise stalled, any future revival is likely contingent on talent and brand recalibration.
Johnny Depp’s revelation adds a dramatic chapter to his storied career and to Hollywood’s complex narrative around reputation, power, and redemption.
