Johnny Depp has posted a statement to his Instagram account announcing that he has resigned from the Fantastic Beasts films at Warner Bros. request. Depp is still in the middle of a legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard and her allegations of abuse.
On Monday Johnny lost a libel case against the Sun newspaper. In his statement he says he will be appealing that decision to prove the allegations are untrue. His full statement may be read below.
In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement. Firstly, I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days. Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request. Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the U.K. will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal. My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time. Thank you for reading Johnny Depp
Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. has confirmed the role of Grindelwald will be recast and the third Fantastic Beasts film will be pushed back to Summer 2022.
Update: It has been revealed that th.e new release date is July 15, 2022
“Johnny Depp will depart the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date,” a Warner Bros. spokesperson said. “‘Fantastic Beasts 3’ is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast. The film will debut in theaters worldwide in the summer of 2022.”
Filed Under: Fantastic Beasts 3, Fantastic Beasts Films |