Mads Mikkelsen to Possibly Replace Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts 3

Amidst controversy surrounding depp and his contract with warner bros, the ‘hannibal’ star might step in.

Warner Bros is in talks with Mads Mikkelsen to take over the role of the dark wizard in “Fantastic Beasts 3”, the next instalment in the “Harry Potter” prequel series. The Danish actor would replace Johnny Depp who was asked to step down from the role last week after losing a bitter court battle with a British tabloid that called the star a wife beater towards his ex Amber Heard.

Despite being let go, Depp will still be paid his salary as he had begun shooting before being let go. Production had started a month ago in London. For those who don’t remember, Grindelwald is the evil dark wizard of the franchise known for causing mass violence and hysteria around the world in hopes of becoming the most powerful wizard in the world. Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law will reprise their heroic roles as Newt Scamander and Albus Dumbledore, respectively.

The first “Fantastic Beasts” film was a critical and commercial success in 2016 grossing over $800 million worldwide. It’s follow up “Crimes of Grindelwald” was poorly received by many critics and fans and became the lowest grossing instalment of the JK Rowling series with over $650 million. Three more film are planned including this next one.

Mikkelsen is no stranger to big budget tentpoles. Although known for his work in risky European dramas and portraying the title character on “Hannibal”, he made his breakthrough as the villain Le Chiffre in the James Bond film “Casino Royale”. Mikkelsen also played the main baddie in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” and a rare heroic role in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”. He is considered “Fantastic Beasts” director David Yates’ top choice to replace Depp and if he accepts, it would be in his wheelhouse and allow the film to stay on schedule.

While Mikkelsen is a welcome addition to any film, I feel it would be a waste of his time and talents to devote himself to a franchise that frankly many people aren’t really invested in. Although the first “Fantastic Beasts” was decent, “Crimes of Grindelwald” was a complete mess with underdeveloped character, numerous plot points and a real lack of fun. It should be a nice paycheck for the Danish star, though.

Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently filming and is scheduled to hit theatres July 15, 2022