Warner Bros. has pushed back the theatrical release date of Fantastic Beasts 3 from November 2021 to July 15, 2022. The decision comes just days after the studio asked for the resignation of Johnny Depp, who portrayed the main antagonist Gellert Grindelwald in the first two chapters of the Harry Potter prequel film series.
Warner Bros. had requested Depp’s resignation shortly after the actor lost a libel case against The Sun, a British tabloid that had labeled Depp a “wife-beater” in a 2018 article based on alleged domestic violence committed by Depp against then-wife Amber Heard. While a U.K. judge ruled against Depp in his libel case against The Sun‘s publisher, News Group Newspapers, in his statement announcing his resignation from Fantastic Beasts 3. the actor confirmed he plans to appeal the decision.
Before selecting the new July 15 date, Warner Bros. issued its own statement regarding Depp’s departure that only noted Fantastic Beasts 3 would be postponed to an undetermined time in 2022. Per Variety, Depp’s exit is not expected to impact the production schedule of Fantastic Beasts 3 in a significant way, which appears to be continuing as the search for his replacement is underway. However, Depp will still receive his full 8-figure salary despite having shot only one scene for Fantastic Beasts 3 due to the “pay-or-play” terms of his contract, which stipulates that he must be paid regardless of whether or not he finishes the film.
There have been calls to remove Depp from the Fantastic Beasts film series due to the allegations of abuse made by Heard ever since he debuted in the first installment. However, both director David Yates and Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, who retains significant creative control over the film franchise, had previously supported Depp amid the allegations. Rowling reportedly did not object to Warner Bros.’ decision to ask for Depp’s resignation following the result of the libel case.
Rowling herself has been criticized due to her string of transphobic comments on social media. While Rowling has only doubled-down on her beliefs in the past year, cast members of both the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter have expressed support for the transgender community.
Still, the damage to the Harry Potter legacy has already been done in the eyes of many. In fact, some members of the trans community and supporters have campaigned to boycott any material, from films to books to video games, that would financially support Rowling.
Fantastic Beasts 3 is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 15, 2022.
Source: Variety
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