Johnny Depp's Return for 'Fantastic Beasts 3' Reportedly Not Confirmed
By Kwadar Ray
One of the Fantastic Beasts series' biggest (but most controversial) stars may not return for the upcoming third film.
Johnny Depp has appeared in each Fantastic Beasts film thus far, with his role of Grindelwald increasing significantly in Fantastic Beasts: The Crime of Grindelwald. However, Depp's role in the franchise dovetails with disturbing domestic violence accusations against the actor from his ex-wife Amber Heard.
daniel radcliffe being confused over why johnny depp still has a job in fantastic beasts? big mood pic.twitter.com/MoJR4sk3vc
— PerksOfBeingAFanboy. (@LiamKelsall) January 12, 2018
Though Depp vehemently denies Heard's allegations--so much so that he's suing her for defamation--Warner Bros. has reportedly been worried about the award-winning actor's presences in the series. Now, a new report says Depp's status with the franchise is very shaky.
Last week, The Blast reported that a source close to Depp says Warner Bros. hasn't approached the Grindelwald actor about staying on with the series. Although Depp reportedly has a contract that extends through all five planned films in the series, it's ultimately up to the studio to decide if he'll return.
Among the fan base, there's mixed responses to the report.
Warner Bros doesn’t want #JohnnyDepp in the next #FantasticBeasts movie? Well SCREW THEM! Johnny deserves better and he was PERFECT as Grindelwald #WarnerBros pic.twitter.com/KRroRXtxLJ
— Skywalker ☆| saw endgame x3 (@malfoysburton) May 4, 2019
Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently set for a Nov. 12, 2021 theatrical release, but we'll know for sure if Depp will be a part of it before then.