Will J.K. Rowling stand by him? How it goes with Johnny Depp in the "Fantastic Beasts" series could be groundbreaking.
Johnny Depp (57) apparently still has some fans out there. "#JusticeforJohnny" trended on Twitter after his defeat in court was revealed. His defamation lawsuit against News Group Newspapers, the publisher of British tabloid "The Sun", was declared null and void on Monday (November 2nd). Much more decisive for his career, however, is likely to be whether Depp still has fans in the film industry …
Lawyers want to keep fighting
The reason for the process: In an article published in April 2018, the Hollywood star was described as a "woman beater". 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.
Judge Andrew Nicol (69) gave the verdict. Among other things, the British BBC quoted it: Depp had "demonstrated the necessary elements of his claim in the defamation suit". Nevertheless, "the defendants have shown that what they have published in the meaning I have understood was essentially the truth". Johnny Depp's lawyers have already announced that they will challenge the verdict.
What's next
The court decision could have surprised faces in Hollywood. There was the widespread assumption that Depp would not have tackled the case if he had not been convinced of victory, as "The Guardian" reports. Variety's industry expert Steven Gaydos is also quoted as saying, "He had no choice but to defend himself." Depp correctly assessed the possible damage that the designation "woman beater" would do to his future. How it will go on with the actor is unclear.
Many cinema fans are currently wondering what will happen to his role in the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise. 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. So far, the plan is for the film to hit cinemas at the end of next year.
Is Johnny Depp's career in J.K. Rowling's hands?
Whether "Harry Potter" creator J.K Rowling (55), who recently spoke publicly for the first time about the fact that she had experienced domestic violence during her first marriage, still stands by him? Three years ago, she defended Johnny Depp and his involvement in her new film series in a statement. After the ruling in London, she has not yet spoken out.
A lot of money should be at stake for Warner Bros. There is still hope that Depp will be able to complete the shooting, quoted the Daily Mail as saying that media lawyer Mark Stephens, who is, however, also "fairly certain" that his employers are checking whether there is a clause that would make it possible To remove actors from any film that has not yet been shot or released. "That's exactly what happened to Kevin Spacey and he wasn't on trial." Spacey lost his role in "House of Cards," among others, after he was accused of sexual offenses. All charges so far have been dropped.
Stephens advised Depp not to go to court, the only way out for the fallen star would be to get help, show remorse and apologize, the lawyer said. Johnny Depp is said to have 25 projects still in preproduction. As for "Fantastic Beasts", there is still no indication of what the future holds for him.