Depp’s $10m pay... despite quitting Fantastic Beasts
JOHNNY DEPP is still in line to take home his $10million fee for Fantastic Beasts even though he agreed to quit the movie after losing his ‘wife-beater’ defamation trial.
The 57-year-old star had appeared in only one scene for the third film in the JK Rowling franchise when shooting resumed in September.
Warner Bros requested he step down from his role last week after he lost his explosive case against The Sun at London’s High Court.
A judge decided that the term ‘wifebeater’ was an accurate description of him during his marriage to ex-wife Amber Heard.
The Hollywood Reporter claims Depp’s contract to resume his role as Gellert Grindelwald has a ‘pay to play’ clause in it, which means the Pirates Of The Caribbean star gets remunerated in full even if the film is recast.
Announcing his departure on Instagram, the actor wrote: ‘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.’
He added: ‘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.’
Despite losing his case, Depp is planning to sue Aquaman actress Heard, 34, for defamation in the US.
A judge has told him that he will need to appear in person for three days, which would have reportedly added further delays to the Covid-hit film’s shooting schedule.
The first two Fantastic Beast films raked in $1.4billion. Depp is understood to be the highest earning star on the new movie that also features Jude Law and Eddie Redmayne.
The actor has said he will appeal the High Court’s ‘wife-beater’ ruling, maintaining that ‘my life and career will not be defined by this moment in time’.
His lawyer, Jenny Afia of Schillings, has said: ‘This decision is as perverse as it is bewildering. The judgment is so flawed that it would be ridiculous for Mr Depp not to appeal.’