The slow-going election results have provided some cover to any studios that want to drop some bad entertainment news today, and that’s exactly what Warner Bros. did in announcing thatJohnny Deppis exiting theFantastic Beastsfranchise. Depp was asked by WB to resign from the role of Gellert Grindelwald – a role that’s key to the future of the film series, which is expected to run for three more sequels – and the actor announced today that he has respected and granted their request. Which means that whenFantastic Beasts 3starts filming imminently, they’ll need a new Grindelwald.
The villainous character loomed large over theHarry Potterfranchise both in book and film form, as Grindelwald was Albus Dumbledore’s childhood friend (and crush) who subsequently went on to lead a racist army of anti-muggle magicians. TheFantastic Beastsseries – which takes place long before the events ofPotter– have shed some light on how Grindelwald built his army, and will presumably culminate in the historic battle between Dumbledore (played in the franchise byJude Law) and Grindelwald.
So with WB on the lookout for a replacement, we thought it prudent to offer our suggestions for who would be best suited to filling the role going forward. Below, see our list of who we think are viable options to replace Johnny Depp in theFantastic Beastsfranchise.
Colin Farrell
Warner Bros. and the filmmakers had it right in the first place.Colin Farrellplayed a mysterious character named Percival Graves in the firstFantastic Beastsmovie who in the finale unmasked himself as Grindelwald, which offered our first look at Depp in the role. The character was using a potion to pose as “Graves” (portrayed by Farrell), but almost immediately fans were clamoring for Farrell to continue on as Grindelwald because he was so darn good. In a world filled with magic, there’s really no reason why Farrell can’t come back and explain Depp’s appearance away as double magic or some other made-up nonsense. He’s our #1 pick.
Robert Downey Jr.
It’s unlikelyRobert Downey Jr.would be eager to jump into another franchise so soon after exiting the MCU, but one imagines his mix of vaguely sensual charisma with a splash of danger would make for an enticing Grindelwald performance. The character is successful in gathering followers because of his charming persona, something RDJ could nail, and it’s been a very long time since Downey played a character so clearly villainous. He would also provide the franchise with a serious star-power boost, which would be helpful given that theFantastic Beastsfilms have failed to hit the box office highs ofPotter. An unlikely choice, but could be fun!
Dan Stevens
Warner Bros. clearly used the Grindelwald and Dumbledore roles to amp up the star power of theFantastic Beastsfranchise, but if they’re willing to go a little outside the box,Dan Stevenscould be a great fit. While most know Stevens fromDownton AbbeyandBeauty and the Beast, he’s turned in extremely unnerving performances in thrillers likeThe GuestandApostleand even his FX seriesLegion. That is to say, he’s a wonderfully convincing bad guy and has a certain way of exuding compelling unpredictability.
Michael Shannon
Speaking of unpredictability, imagine for a momentMichael Shannonin aFantastic Beastsmovie. The mind reels at the possibilities. Unhinged madness? Quiet desperation? Confrontational sex appeal? It’s all on the table with Mr. Shannon, who’s no stranger to franchises having played the Big Bad role inMan of Steel, but is also no stranger to just straight-up weird roles – like the time he showed up inThey Came Togetherwielding a samurai sword. Would he be willing and/or interested? That much is unclear, but he’s undoubtedly one of the most exciting actors working today and, as a bonus, we would have absolutely no idea what to expect from his performance until we sit down to see the movie.
Another option that’s high on the “unpredictability” scale isTom Hardy, who is a straight-up chameleon. We’ve been watching Hardy onscreen for two decades and I’mstillunsure as to what his real normal accent is. When he takes on a role he commits fully and completely, disappearing into roles as disparate as a heroic fighter pilot (Dunkirk), megalomaniacal terrorist (The Dark Knight Rises), and mild-mannered construction foreman (Locke). Clearly Hardy loves a transformative challenge as evidenced by his turn inVenom, and I almost want him to joinFantastic Beastsjust to hear what his version of a fascist wizard sounds like.
Adam Driver
Hugh Grant
Paddington’s #1 nemesis would be a swell fit for Grindelwald for a few reasons. And no, age-wise he’s not too old for the role (he’s 60, Depp is 57).Hugh Grantburst onto the scene as the bumbling British romcom lead but has since carved out a fascinating career, and it feels like he’s due for a big surprise. He also has history with this particular franchise, as he was in line to play Gilderoy Lockhart inHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secretsbefore ultimately bowing out. He nailed the mustache twirling villain in the colorfulPaddington 2, and I think it’d be fun to see him tackle a baddie who’s a bit darker and more mysterious.
James McAvoy
Another actor who’s no stranger to franchises,James McAvoymay be a little young for the role, but screw it – he’d be fun! While McAvoy traditionally plays mild-mannered heroes, he turned a lot of heads with his complex performance inSplitand one imagines the 41-year-old Scotsman would have somewildchemistry with Jude Law’s Dumbledore. If you want the sexual tension of theFantastic Beastsfranchise to rise expoentially, this would be the way to go.
Tilda Swinton
Why not? I mean, look at that resemblance.Tilda Swintonis no stranger to gender-ambiguous roles in films likeSnowpiercer, and she full-on played a male character in the underratedSuspiriaremake. Warner Bros. would almost certainly go for this, but man, wouldn’t it be fun?
