Yesterday, Warner Bros announced that Mads Mikkelsen will replace Johnny Depp as the villainous wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the remaining three Fantastic Beasts movies. Depp had shot just one scene for the upcoming Fantastic Beasts 3 before agreeing to resign from the franchise in early November, as requested by the studio. This came after the 57-year-old star lost his libel trial in the UK courts.
Rumours then sparked that Mikkelsen was in talks to replace the star, which at the time he dismissed saying “I’m waiting for that phone call.”
But now that the Casino Royale and Doctor Strange villain has officially been confirmed as the new Grindelwald, Depp’s fans have expressed their frustration with the recasting online.
One tweeted: “As a massive Harry Potter fan, I’m so mad that Warner Bros have put fans in this situation.
“I will be boycotting this movie and it pains me to say that I won’t be watching it because I’m a fan.”
READ MORE: Mads Mikkelsen confirmed to replace Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts
A fan tweeted: “Honestly, Mads Mikkelsen is great but he’s no Johnny Depp! Fantastic Beasts won’t be the same without Johnny Depp!
“I don’t think I’m gonna watch it because no one can replace Johnny Depp! No hate to anyone! These are just my views.”
While one said: “Mads Mikkelsen is a great actor. But [the] Grindelwald character won’t be the same if it’s not Johnny Depp.”
Another wrote: “No offence to Mads Mikkelsen – he is a great actor. But the role of Grindelwald has been excelled by Johnny Depp.”
To date, the change.org petition titled “Warner Bros, Bring Johnny Depp back as Gellert Grindelwald!!!” has over 230,000 signatures and counting.
Despite being asked to resign from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, Depp will still be paid his salary of over $10 million due to his contract.
The star shared with his fans that he would be leaving the Grindelwald role on his Instagram account.
He wrote: “In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement.”
Depp added: “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.
“Secondly, 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.”
Fantastic Beasts 3 will hit cinemas on July 15, 2022.
