Johnny Depp: He says goodbye to Gellert Grindelwald

At the request of Warner Bros., Johnny Depp says goodbye to his role as Grindelwald in the "Fantastic Beasts" series.

Johnny Depp (57) will no longer play the dark magician Gellert Grindelwald in the "Harry Potter" spin-off "Fantastic Beasts". The actor announced a few days after the lost mega-trial against the British "The Sun" this Friday (November 6th) in an Instagram post. "In light of recent events, I would like to make the following brief statement," Depp writes in the published statement. "First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has helped me with their support and loyalty."

He was "deeply moved by the many messages of love and care, especially in the last few days," the actor continues. "Second, I want you guys to know that I was asked by Warner Bros. to step down from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts, and I respected and agreed to that request," explains Depp.

Johnny Depp wants to appeal in "The Sun" trial

The British court's "surreal judgment" will not change his struggle to tell the truth. "I confirm that I intend to appeal. I am determined and want to prove that the allegations made against me are false. My life and my career will not be determined at this point," Depp concludes his statement.

His defamation lawsuit against News Group Newspapers, the publisher of British tabloid "The Sun", was declared null and void on Monday November 2nd. The reason for the process: In an article published in April 2018, the Hollywood star was described as a "woman thug". In July 2020, a 16-day trial before the Royal Courts of Justice in London followed, in which Depp's ex-wife Amber Heard (34) also testified. She is said to have been a victim of domestic violence in the marriage, which lasted from 2015 to 2017. The process had developed into a war of roses between the former married couple and made headlines around the world.

What's next for "Fantastic Beasts"?

At the end of September, the Warner Bros. film studio resumed production of the third film in the "Harry Potter" spin-off after filming was stopped in March due to the corona pandemic. According to "Variety", the studio has confirmed Depp's departure and announced that the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be filled. The third part should then come to the cinemas in summer 2022.

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