Mads Mikkelsen to replace Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts film franchise

James Bond star Mads Mikkelsen will take over the role of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald from Johnny Depp in the third Fantastic Beasts film, Warner Bros Pictures has now confirmed.

Rumours Danish star Mikkelsen, 54, was in talks to join the JK Rowling fantasy movie series have been circulating for some time.

Deep, 57, stepped down from the role after losing his high-profile libel case against the Sun newspaper over an article which labelled him a “wife beater” in stories of alleged abuse against his ex-wife Amber Heard, 34.

Following the trial, Depp confirmed he was asked to resign by Warner Bros, writing on Instagram: “I wish to let you 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.”

The news was also confirmed by Warner Bros.

Depp is only reported to have only shot one scene for the new film, which is currently in production at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden outside of London.

Eddie Redmayne returns as Newt Scamander and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore.

The release date is now set at 15 July 2022.

Mikkelsen rose to prominence as shady banker Le Chiffre opposite Daniel Craig in 2006 Bond film Casino Royale.

He also played Dr Hannibal Lecter in the television series Hannibal.

In the Harry Potter universe, Grindelwald is an immensely powerful evil wizard, who is regarded as second only to Voldemort.

Colin Farrell, who played Grindelwald in the first movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is currently starring in the new Batman film. He is playing villain Penguin - and so unable to return to Fantastic Beasts, reports suggest.

Depp was refused permission to appeal against the judgement last week, but has been given until December 7 to apply directly to the Court of Appeal.

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