Depp asked to leave Fantastic Beasts franchise

Star resigns following libel case loss last week

by Amber Wilkinson

Jonny Depp's Instagram post
Jonny Depp's Instagram post Photo: Instagram
Johnny Depp has been "asked to resign" from the Fantastic Beasts film franchise after he lost his libel case against the Sun over a 2018 article that alleged he was a "wife beater".

The 57-year-old posted a letter to fans on his Instagram announcing he was stepping down from the role Gellert Grindelwald in the Harry Potter prequel films.

He wrote: "I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request."

Earlier this week Judge Mr Justice Nicol ruled the Sun had proved the contents of the article to be "substantially true".

Describing the judgement - which referred to allegations over his conduct towards is ex-wife Amber Heard - as "surreal" Depp said he intended to appeal and added, "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 in time".

Share this with others on...
News

Coppola, the fearless, has no regrets Megalopolis director values friendship more than personal fortune

Miller still a playful child at heart Furiosa director on the joys of technology, creating legends and eternal curiosity

Status 'protected' Cannes star Léa Seydoux 'From the beginning I worked with people who respected me - more or less'

On reflection Sav Rodgers on Ben Affleck, Kevin Smith, coming of age on camera and Chasing Chasing Amy

Meryl crowned Queen of the Croisette Honorary Palme for Hollywood royalty as Cannes crowds and first nighters go wild for Streep

More news and features

We're bringing you all the excitement of the world's most celebrated film festival direct from Cannes



We're looking forward to Inside Out, the Muslim International Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, Docs Ireland and the Fantasia International Film Festival.



We've recently covered Fantaspoa, Queer East, Visions du Réel, New Directors/New Films, the Overlook Film Festival, BFI Flare, the Glasgow Short Film Festival and SXSW.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

More competitions coming soon.