Back when David Yates, J.K. Rowling and the Fantastic Beasts team were casting someone to play the villain, Johnny Depp must've seemed like a slam dunk in terms of performance and box office power. These days, however, he's been at the centre of some problematic issues, mostly in regards to his relationship with ex-wife Amber Heard. Fans have been vocal in their displeasure with Depp's continued presence in the films and, with sequel The Crimes Of Grindelwald on the way next year, Rowling has addressed the matter.
"When Johnny Depp was cast as Grindelwald, I thought he’d be wonderful in the role," she wrote on her site. "However, around the time of filming his cameo in the first movie, stories had appeared in the press that deeply concerned me and everyone most closely involved in the franchise.
"Harry Potter fans had legitimate questions and concerns about our choice to continue with Johnny Depp in the role. As David Yates, long-time Potter director, has already said, we naturally considered the possibility of recasting. I understand why some have been confused and angry about why that didn’t happen.
The huge, mutually supportive community that has grown up around Harry Potter is one of the greatest joys of my life. For me personally, the inability to speak openly to fans about this issue has been difficult, frustrating and at times painful. However, the agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected. Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies.
I’ve loved writing the first two screenplays and I can’t wait for fans to see The Crimes Of Grindelwald. I accept that there will be those who are not satisfied with our choice of actor in the title role. However, conscience isn’t governable by committee. Within the fictional world and outside it, we all have to do what we believe to be the right thing."
It's sure to spark further debate, but the creator of all things Potter and Beasts has now had her say. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald will be out on 16 November next year.
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