Johnny Depp Exits ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Due To Amber Heard Case

Warner Bros. also issued a statement regarding 'Fantastic Beasts 3'.

Court TV Aquaman Johnny Depp Amber Heard Mera Aquaman Avengers Paul Bettany Fantastic Beasts Kate Moss

Fantastic Beasts star Johnny Depp has resigned from the franchise after losing his libel case relating to allegations made by his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

Johnny Depp penned a brief letter to his fans explaining that Warner Bros. has asked him to resign from his role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts following the recent libel case, which shed light on the allegations made by Amber Heard. During the court proceedings the Aquaman star claimed Depp had hurled glass bottles “like grenades”, while also admitting to punching her ex-husband.

Johnny Depp took to Instagram to explain to fans of the Wizarding World that he is leaving the Fantastic Beasts franchise following the libel case. He also thanked them for their support during this time while also confirming that he will fight the decision made by the court in the United Kingdom. The former Fantastic Beasts star also explained that he’s confident the recent events won’t affect his career going forward. Take a look below.

 

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Warner Bros. also issued a statement confirming the news, adding that his role as Grindelwald will be recast for the upcoming third film, which is currently in production and is on track for its 2022 release.

“Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise. 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’s solicitor, Jenny Afia, had already noted that the star will be appealing the outcome, explaining “it would be ridiculous for Mr Depp not to appeal this decision” as well as calling the verdict “flawed”.

Meanwhile, Amber Heard is expected to return as Mera in the yet-to-be-titled Aquaman sequel. For now, fans can see Heard as Mera in Aquaman. Here’s the official synopsis for the movie:

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an acition-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be… a king.

Directed by James Wan, Aquaman stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, Amber Heard as Mera, Willem Dafoe as Vulko, Patrick Wilson as Orm / Ocean Master, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Ludi Lin as Captain Murk, and Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry.

Aquaman is available on Digital HD, 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD. Stay tuned for all the latest news on Johnny Depp and Amber Heard and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more video content!

Eammon Jacobs

Eammon Jacobs

British dork who can be found online raving about how good Tron: Legacy is.