Johnny Depp resigned from his role in Fantastic Beasts at the request of Warner Bros. But the fans protest.
Johnny Depp (57, "Pirates of the Caribbean") announced last Friday (November 6th) that he was stepping down from his role as the dark magician Gellert Grindelwald in "Fantastic Beasts 3". The fans do not want to leave it at that – and are calling for the screen star to return to the "Harry Potter" spin-off with an online petition.
More than 40,000 signatures after two days
The signature fundraising campaign, "Bring Johnny Depp back to Fantastic Beasts" went online two days ago and has already been signed by more than 40,000 fans. The author of the petition told the film studio Warner Bros., which Depp asked to resign after its failed defamation process against the tabloid "The Sun", that it was unfair to boycott the star because of the lawsuit.
"We not only support Johnny Depp, but every survivor of domestic violence, men included. Demand that Warner Bros. do the right thing and bring Johnny Depp back in his legendary role as Gellart Grindelwald," is the appeal to the fans.
Fans demand "#JusticeForJohnnyDepp"
Shortly after Johnny Depp's lawsuit against the editor of "Sun" was declared null and void on Monday (November 2nd), the hashtag "#JusticeForJohnnyDepp" had trended on social networks. The reason for the process: In an article published in 2018, Depp was referred to as a "woman beater". In July 2020, a 16-day trial followed in London, in which Depp's ex-wife Amber Heard (34) also testified. She is said to have been a victim of domestic violence in her marriage. The process had developed into a veritable war of the roses and made headlines around the world.
The US actor, who wants to appeal the London judgment, announced his resignation from his role in "Fantastic Beasts" on Instagram. In a photographed letter he thanks "everyone who has helped me with their support and loyalty. I was deeply moved by the many messages of love and care, especially in the last few days". The film studio's request to give up his role was "respected and approved" by Depp.
Filming for the third part of the "Harry Potter" spin-off was resumed at the end of September after a Corona break. As "Variety" reported, Warner Bros. Depp has confirmed departure and intends to fill the role of Gellert Grindelwald. The 57-year-old father of two was seen for the first time in 2018 in "Fantastic Beasts: Grindelwald's Crimes" as an evil wizard on the screen, in part three he was supposed to slip into the role again.