Mads Mikkelsen, the Danish actor from Casino Royale, Hannibal, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Doctor Strange is set to play the part of Gellert Grindelwald in the third Fantastic Beasts movie.
Mikkelsen, who is best known for his villainous roles in Hollywood will now fittingly play Grindelwald, another villain and the main antagonist or “dark wizard” in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Before his role confirmation, numerous rumors and reports have already been circulating that Mikkelsen is the “favored” replacement of Depp by the Fantastic Beasts director David Yates. “Oh, that is on the rumour basis as we speak. So, I know as much you do from the newspapers. So I’m waiting for that phone call,” Mikkelsen said in an interview.
The final installment to the Fantastic Beasts trilogy, the spinoff prequel to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, is anticipated for global release on July 15, 2022. Currently, the film is in production at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, London.
This announcement follows shortly after Johnny Depp’s overruled libel case against British tabloid The Sun. Warner Bros. confirmed on November 6 that they’ve let the original actor behind Grindelwald go.
“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 […] I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days,” Depp wrote.