Johnny Depp was removed from Secrets of Dumbledore because Warner Bros. requested his resignation following his loss in a high-profile libel case against the British newspaper The Sun.
Why Johnny Depp Departed from Secrets of Dumbledore
Johnny Depp's departure from his role as Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (originally titled Fantastic Beasts 3) stemmed directly from legal challenges surrounding allegations of domestic abuse. Warner Bros., the studio behind the film, made the decision to part ways with the actor after a UK court ruled against him in a libel suit.
The Libel Case and Its Aftermath
The pivotal event leading to Depp's removal was a libel case against News Group Newspapers, the publisher of The Sun. The British publication had run an article in 2018 describing Depp as a "wife beater," referring to allegations made by his ex-wife, Amber Heard, who accused the actor of domestic abuse. Depp vehemently denied these allegations and sued the newspaper for libel.
Key Developments:
- Court Ruling (November 2020): After a highly publicized trial, the UK High Court ruled in favor of The Sun, concluding that the newspaper's article was "substantially true." This ruling effectively validated the description of Depp as a "wife beater" based on the evidence presented.
- Warner Bros.'s Decision: Just days after losing the libel case, Warner Bros. asked Depp to resign from his role in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Depp subsequently announced his departure, stating that he had "respected and agreed to that request."
Timeline of Events
| Date (Approximate) | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| April 2018 | The Sun article published | Described Johnny Depp as a "wife beater" in relation to Amber Heard allegations. |
| July 2020 | UK Libel Trial | Depp sued The Sun over the article. |
| November 2, 2020 | UK High Court ruling | Court ruled largely in favor of The Sun, finding the article "substantially true." |
| November 6, 2020 | Warner Bros. requests Depp's resignation | Studio moves to distance itself from the controversy. |
| November 6, 2020 | Johnny Depp announces departure | Confirms he will no longer play Gellert Grindelwald. |
| November 25, 2020 | Mads Mikkelsen announced as replacement | Danish actor cast to take over the role of Grindelwald. |
Impact on the Fantastic Beasts Franchise
The decision to replace Depp was a significant move for Warner Bros., reflecting the studio's concern over the potential negative public perception and financial impact that the ongoing controversy might have on a major global franchise. The role of Gellert Grindelwald was subsequently recast with Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, who took over for Secrets of Dumbledore.
The shift highlighted Hollywood's increasing sensitivity to public image and brand integrity, particularly concerning accusations of misconduct involving its stars. Despite Depp's previous involvement in the first two Fantastic Beasts films, the legal outcome regarding the "wife beater" description prompted the studio to make a change for the third installment.
