Johnny Depp and Warner Bros. confirm the actor has exited Fantastic Beasts 3, which follows Depp losing a court case in the UK involving claims by Amber Heard in regards to domestic abuse.
Depp lost a lawsuit against the UK’s The Sun that posted an article on how Depp is a “wife beater,” with the judge ruling there was enough evidence to support Heard’s claims and that the article was in the right to post the title.
Johnny Depp actually alleges he was the victim of domestic abuse at the hands of Heard and is now suing Heard in the United States in a defamation lawsuit for $50 million.
Essentially, Depp was fired from Fantastic Beasts 3 following the judge not ruling in his favor.
“Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise,” Warner Bros. said in a statement Friday. “We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date. 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.”
Johnny Depp also posted a statement on Instagram:
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 yo 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.
Thanks you for your reading.
Sincerely,
Johnny Depp
