The news that Johnny Depp was asked to resign from Fantastic Beasts by Warner Bros was met with explosive energy from everyone invested in his casting, personal life and legal drama. While there are still factions of 'fans' on Twitter arguing the toss, what's done is done.
To say the franchise has been under scrutiny is an understatement. As Warner Bros tries to move forward with what has become a sort of a hot potato, the recasting of Grindelwald is a chance for them to distance themselves from one divisive celebrity (that JK Rowling is still so closely associated with the project after her various statements is still a huge issue, of course).
The most desired name to replace Depp as Grindelwald is, unsurprisingly, Colin Farrell. He played Grindelwald in the first film, though strictly speaking he was playing Grindelwald disguising himself as an Auror named Percival Graves.
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Farrell is currently working on a different WB project, though: The Batman. And with filming on both still going on, it's highly unlikely Farrell would be able to reprise the role, even if he wanted to.
Plus, Steve Kloves (who wrote seven of the eight Harry Potter movies and has come on to help Rowling with Fantastic Beasts 3) would have to figure out why Grindelwald chose to disguise himself as Percival again. Luckily for Kloves and everyone else involved, recasting shouldn't be too much of an issue.
After all, it's the magical world of Harry Potter – the alteration of his appearance could be down to anything: a magical accident, a potent potion, or just a change of face! That in mind, here are actors who aren't Colin Farrell who could replace Depp as Grindelwald.
Mads Mikkelsen
Mikkelsen has already been in Star Wars, Doctor Strange and James Bond, so the man is no stranger to big blockbuster franchises. Plus, he has that creepy, controlling, powerful air about him (he played Hannibal Lecter, after all!) that Grindelwald should have.
Claes Bang
Though Bang is currently in Dublin filming The Northman, if the timing works out the Dane would do well as Grindelwald. As Dracula, he proved himself great at the whole menacingly-evil thing.
Matt Smith
Matt Smith certainly has a hefty amount of star-wattage to add to the Harry Potter franchise and he too has experience in a franchise. Plus, he has the right energy for a magically unhinged character and an off-kilter vibe that could mix well with Law's very serious Dumbledore.
Charlie Hunnam
The James Bond wannabe may not seem like an obvious choice, but he's a formidable actor who rose to fame playing the tortured Jax in Sons of Anarchy. He has proven himself a strong actor, and he'd make a compelling Grindelwald. Plus he's blond, so that saves on wigs. Every little helps.
Cillian Murphy
Murphy (Peaky Blinders) is a versatile and undeniably talented actor who would undoubtedly bring a new level of depth to Grindelwald. Plus, he's got the eyes...
Fantastic Beasts 3 will now be released in the summer of 2022.
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Gabriella Geisinger is a freelance film critic and journalist, with a focus on J-drama & film, and the Japanese production industry. She was previously Locations Editor at Screen International and Deputy Movies Editor at Digital Spy. Her writing can also befound in Curzon, 1883, and more. A born and raised New Yorker, she loves coffee and the colour black, obviously.
