Hollywood actor Johnny Depp had recently revealed that he was asked to resign from 'Fantastic Beats 3'. The decision came after the actor was declared a 'wife-beater' by British High Court. The allegations were levied by Depp's ex-wife Amber Heard.
Now, Warner Bros, who are producing the movie, have released an official statement confirming the same. Just Jared shared the official statement from the team. "Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date," it read.
Stating that the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast, it further mentioned, "Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast. The film will debut in theatres worldwide in the summer of 2022."
Earlier, Johnny Depp confirmed his exit. The actor shared, "In the light of recent event's, I would like to make the following short statement. 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."
He also penned, "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. Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal."
Talking about his case, Depp 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. Thank you for reading."
Depp, 57, best known as the swaggering Jack Sparrow in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise, had sued a British tabloid that labelled him a "wife beater" during his tempestuous relationship with his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard.
He, however, lost his libel battle with the British tabloid after a High Court judge ruled that the newspaper`s allegations were "substantially true".
Depp had told the court he was never violent towards his ex-wife and his lawyers described the ruling as "perverse as it is bewildering", and said it would be ridiculous for him not to appeal.
(With input from Reuters)