Mads Mikkelsen Officially Replace Johnny Depp In Fantastic Beasts 3

JAKARTA - The Warner Bros. production house confirmed the news about Mads Mikkelsen being selected as the Grinderwald actor on Wednesday, November 25, United States time.

Launching Deadline, Thursday, Mads Mikkelsen is the best candidate to replace Johnny Depp, who played Grinderwald in the first two Fantastic Beasts films.

Mads Mikkelsen is a Danish born who is also known as a gymnast and dancer. More than 20 films have starred Mikkelsen, including King Arthur, Casino Royale, and Doctor Strange.

The Fantastic Beasts 3 film production team has started shooting. But it had to be stopped because Johnny Depp quit this film project.

Depp was asked to leave after losing a trial against British media The Sun which described Depp as a "wife beater". The Hollywood band Vampires will appeal and continue the trial against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

Even so, Depp will receive a full eight-figure honorarium according to the contract. Reporting The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. still provides full honorarium even though he only recorded one scene on September 20 in London.

"Like many A-level stars, Depp has a pay or play contract, which requires him to compensate even if a film is made or not made and change roles," said a Warner Bros. representative.

“Technically, Depp was not fired by Warner Bros but asked to step down. Don't know what path to take if the actor refuses. "

Warner Bros. immediately looked for a replacement for Johnny Depp so that Fantastic Beasts 3 could air on schedule, which is July 15, 2022.

The choice of Mads Mikkelsen was reportedly because David Yates - director of Fantastic Beasts - was a fan of the actor. In addition, Mikkelsen has just finished shooting his latest film, Chaos Walking.

Mads Mikkelsen will start shooting with Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, and the other Fantastic Beasts 3 cast in London.