JK Rowling backs Depp to remain in Beasts film role
JK Rowling has defended her decision to keep Johnny Depp in the role of Grindelwald for the Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them sequel.
Fans had expressed their disappointment that Depp was to appear in the forthcoming film after he was accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife Amber Heard last year.
Harry Potter writer Rowling, who writes the spin-off film series, said that those stories “deeply concerned” her at the time, while Depp was filming his small part in the first film, and that she and director David Yates did consider recasting the role.
She wrote in a statement: “When Johnny Depp was cast as Grindelwald, I thought he’d be wonderful in the role.
“However, around the time of filming his cameo in the first movie, stories had appeared in the press that deeply concerned me and everyone most closely involved in the franchise.
“Harry Potter fans had legitimate questions and concerns about our choice to continue with Johnny Depp in the role. As David Yates, long-time Potter director, has already said, we naturally considered the possibility of recasting.”
Rowling said she understands why “some have been confused and angry” that Depp was not recast, but added: “Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies.”