Sources claim that Warner Bros. following the exit of Johnny Depp from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, will be looking to Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen as the next Grindelwald.
Mikkelsen who is best known for Doctor Strange, as well as the NBC show, Hannibal is “in early talks” to replace Depp in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts sequel. Director of the third installment, David Yates have the goal of keeping to the Summer 2020 release with Mikkelsen set as the first replacement choice for Yates.
Johnny Depp played the role of Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 1 and 2 prior to Depp getting kicked out by Warner Bros. resigning from the project despite his 5-picture deal. The move comes following Depp’s loss of a libel suit against U.K. tabloid The Sun for a comment labeling him a “wife beater”, referencing the heated relationship between him and his ex-wife Amber Heard.
In spite of his coerced resignation, Depp is still going to be paid north of $10 million USD for his participation in the project.