Mads Mikkelsen in talks to replace Johnny Depp as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 3

After Johnny Depp announced his exit from Fantastic Beasts 3, another actor is reportedly in talks to take on the role of villain Gellert Grindelwald in the film.

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen is in talks to reprise the role of the dark wizard in the third film of the Harry Potter spin-off, according to a report from entertainment website Deadline. Sources privy to the info said that Mikkelsen was picked by film director David Yates as his choice for the replacement.

Mikkelsen is best known for his roles as Le Chiffre in Casino Royale, Kaecilius in Doctor Strange and Galen Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Last week, Depp revealed that he was asked by Warner Bros. to resign from the role of Grindelwald. He agreed to their request, which came just after losing his libel case against The Sun, a British newspaper that labeled him as a “wife beater” in a 2018 article.

In a statement, the actor said that he respects the company’s decision and appreciates the fans’ support and loyalty. He also went on to say that, “The surreal judgment of the court in the U.K. will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal. My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment.”

Depp has only shot one scene for the film before leaving so Mikkelsen wouldn’t need to reshoot much footage.

Production on Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently ongoing with stars Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Katherine Waterson, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Callum Turner and Jessica Williams. It is scheduled to be released by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 15, 2022.

(Images from Hannibal and Casino Royale)