Johnny Depp Loses Role In Fantastic Beasts

Warner Bros. will no longer star Johnny Depp in its oncoming film Fantastic Beasts 3 over an accusation in a legal battle that he is a "wife-beater". 

Johnny lost his libel lawsuit filed against a British media outlet Sun Newspaper at a UK Court over the accusation, and on that ground, Warner demanded in a statement that the 'Pirate of the Caribbean' actor steps down from his role as Grindelwald in the Harry Potter spin-off franchise. 

"Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beast franchise," said the studio. "We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date."

The studio also confirmed the film is in production and its release date has changed, but Johnny's role in the threequel will be recast. 

It added, "Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast. The film will debut in theatres worldwide in the summer of 2022."

The 57-year-old agreed with the decision and followed up with a letter addressed to the studio which he also posted on his IG page. 

Mid-way the letter, Johnny wrote, "Secondly, 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 the request."