Many are still asking why Johnny Depp was recast as the Gellert Grindelwald actor for . The Johnny Depp Grindelwald version was first introduced in a cameo role at the end of 2016's , before the actor went on to star in the sequel, . WB has long had an ambitious five-movie plan for the franchise, though a combination of controversy and poor box office returns for and has since thrown this into doubt.
, at least, but he isn't played by Depp in that movie, nor will he be in any follow-ups should they happen. While once among the biggest movie stars in the world, WB's decision to recast the Johnny Depp Grindelwald character for
Johnny Depp's casting as Gellert Grindelwald for was announced in November 2020, shortly before the release of the first movie in the franchise.
"...Around the time of filming his cameo in the first movie, stories had appeared in the press that deeply concerned me and everyone most closely involved in the franchise.
While WB, Rowling, and director David Yates stuck behind their decision to cast the Johnny Depp Grindelwald character, the backlash only intensified in the lead-up to the second movie's release, especially after it was
Johnny Depp, who played Grindelwald, and Amber Heard reached a settlement in August 2016 and finalized their divorce in January 2017, but that did not end the controversy surrounding the pair's relationship, nor that of the ongoing Johnny Depp Grindelwald role in the
The Grindelwald actor claimed that not only were Heard's allegations lies but that she had been the abuser in the relationship and that she had orchestrated a Later that same year, it was reported that Warner Bros. had concerns over how Depp's ongoing controversy would impact and the Johnny Depp Grindelwald character, but the actor remained attached to the project all the way through to the beginning of production in September 2020, filming one scene for the movie, before departing in November 2020.
The biggest reason why Depp left as Grindelwald stemmed from the libel lawsuit against NGN. Despite Depp's claims, the court found in favor of NGN and Wooton. Their lawyers presented 14 separate incidents as evidence of abuse from Depp to Heard, and 12 were found to have passed the reasonable civil standard, meaning 's report was found to have Depp attempted to appeal the verdict but was unsuccessful.
Depp, who played Grindelwald, losing his libel lawsuit created, at the very least, a PR disaster for Warner Bros., as it meant other U.K. publications could refer to him in those same (or similar) terms, and the optics, as well as moral obligations, of keeping him as the Johnny Depp Grindelwald character in
As reported, AT&T's merger with WarnerMedia also likely had an influence. This had already resulted in sweeping changes at WB, and their sources suggested that one major change was As reported by , Depp was still paid his full salary - believed to be $16 million - despite only shooting one scene for the movie, as he had a "pay-or-play" contract, meaning he'd be paid regardless of whether the film happened or not.
Since leaving and being recast as the , his movie roles have largely dried up, with the court case not only finding in the defense's favor of calling him a and proving multiple allegations of domestic abuse true to civil, if not criminal, level but also detailed years of substance abuse. Depp's only movie roles since leaving are , which filmed in 2016 and 2017 but was been pulled from the release schedule in 2018 before eventually releasing in March 2021, and , which also filmed prior to the verdict in Depp's libel lawsuit and subsequent exit from .
Both films were small releases, with a combined box office take of less than $5 million, albeit amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Outside of the Johnny Depp Grindelwald character, Depp had reportedly been attached to a Harry Houdini TV show, led by producer Jerry Bruckheimer (with whom he worked on the
The story between Depp and Heard might have come to an end after Depp sued Heard for defamation. This $50 million defamation suit Depp filed after Heard wrote an article in in 2018, headlined, Depp wasn't directly mentioned, but the actor claims it severely damaged his reputation, with Heard then launching her own countersuit. The trial was then delayed several times, but it began in April 2022, the same week as
Mads Mikkelsen replaced the Depp Grindelwald character for , with the official casting confirmed in late November 2020. The Grindelwald actor is best known for playing the titular role , as well as portraying Galen Erso in and Kaecilius in . Mikkelsen, who plays Grindelwald, was almost immediately touted as one of the front-runners and he did eventually come to an agreement to take over the part. After being cast as Grindelwald in , Mikkelsen said he’d wanted to speak to Depp about replacing him but
"I know it was controversial for many people, but that's just the way it plays out once in a while. I didn't want to copy what Johnny had done. I think he's a masterful actor, so copying him would've been creative suicide. I had to figure out something that was definitely my own, and yet also act as a bridge to what he had done. My take is different, and the look is a little different.”
Mikkelsen, who plays Grindelwald, does look different in , with the shock white hair mostly gone — save for one white stripe — and the different colored eyes seemingly changed as well, meaning his version is clearly distinct from what came before, as WB and
of Gellert Grindelwald with aplomb, and his performance is one of the highlights of the third film. However, the actor thinks it is possible for the Johnny Depp Grindelwald character to make a return since winning his defamation case. While at a festival to win the Honorary Heart of Saravejo award, he spoke during the "Coffee With..." event about taking over the role — and the possibility of Johnny Depp's return, saying,
However, this might not be the right choice for Warner Bros.
While did do better than its predecessor, , it still received middling reviews and had a rough go at making back its budget. On Rotten Tomatoes, the critics' score is a measly 46%, meaning it's certified rotten. However, it did perform a little better amongst audiences, raking in an 83% score. On its opening weekend, the movie only made $42.1 million, a far cry from the film's $200 million budget. Sadly, despite Mads Mikkelsen's performance being critically successful, .
However, was able to make back its money when one considers the numbers from its worldwide release, which come in at $405.
However, studios may be using this instance as an out if they are forced to abandon the movie series, and . Couple that with the fact that director David Yates is slated to make something else in the near future, and it looks like 's chances of being made are slim.
The Johnny Depp Grindelwald character wasn't the only Wizarding World villain to undergo a recast, as the character of Voldemort from has been played by five separate actors. While some of these actors are used to represent You-Know-Who in different stages of life, the adult Voldemort was the one who faced a major recast after . When Voldemort was possessing Quirrell's body — and living out of the back of his head — he was played by veteran British actor Richard Bremmer, who is known for , , and .
was decidedly cast in the role. That honor went to powerhouse actor, Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes stayed on as Voldemort in his final form for the remaining four
The big question whenever there's a major recasting like this becomes who played the best version of the character. Technically, Colin Farrell played Grindelwald in the first film but as Grindelwald was in disguise, none of the character's actual trademarks were present so he can be ruled out.
The disappointment of the second film led to less hype for and a low box office intake. That said, critical reception was a bit better for the third outing and a main reason for that was Mads Mikkelsen's performance. Several major reviews felt that he outperformed Depp in the role. While figuring out the best Grindelwald is subjective, each brought their own signature take on the character. Depp opted for a Grindelwald with more flair, while Mikkelsen was more intimidating and had strong chemistry with Law.
