Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Johnny Depp's Exit Sparks Fantastic Beasts Reboot Plans

7/8/2025

50 4

Summary

Story summary

Johnny Depp opened up about his exit from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, where he portrayed the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Following his tumultuous legal battles with Amber Heard, Warner Bros. replaced him with Mads Mikkelsen for The Secrets of Dumbledore. The film's disappointing $407.2 million box office prompted a reboot for HBO, signaling a new direction for the series.

1 of 1

Story summary

Johnny Depp opened up about his exit from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, where he portrayed the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Following his tumultuous legal battles with Amber Heard, Warner Bros. replaced him with Mads Mikkelsen for The Secrets of Dumbledore. The film's disappointing $407.2 million box office prompted a reboot for HBO, signaling a new direction for the series.