The third movie in the Fantastic Beasts franchise has been delayed, it has been confirmed.
The film was expected to be released in cinemas on November 12th 2021, but has now been pushed back until the summer of 2022 following the news that Johnny Depp has chosen to resign from the series.
Depp played Grindelwald in the Harry Potter spin-off, and announced last week that he was asked to quit production after losing his court case against The Sun newspaper over an article that described him as a "wife-beater".
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The 57-year-old wrote on Instagram: "Firstly, 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.
"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 that request."
The actor went on to add that he hopes to appeal against the ruling.
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A statement by Warner Bros, received by Deadline, read: "Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date. Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast."
The film is now set to be in cinemas on July 15th, 2022 - the first time a film in the Fantastic Beasts franchise has been released in the summer.
Depp first took the role on Grindelwald, opposite Eddie Redmayne's Newt Scamander and Jude Law's Albus Dumbledore, for the 2018 film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
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He took the role over from Colin Farrell, who had a small cameo in the 2016 Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them film.
Now, fans are calling for Farrell, 44, to reprise the role ahead of the third film.
Featured Image Credit: Warner BrosTopics: Harry Potter, johnny depp, Entertainment News, Celebrity News, TV News, TV & Film