J.K. Rowling is ‘happy’ Johnny Depp was cast in Fantastic Beasts: the Crimes of Grindelwald
Following domestic abuse allegations by his ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp’s casting had raised ‘legitimate concerns’ for fans, the author acknowledges, but she was still ‘comfortable’ sticking with her original decision
Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, has finally broken her silence about the controversial casting of Johnny Depp in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, which is set to continue next November with Fantastic Beasts: the Crimes of Grindelwald.
Rowling supported Depp’s casting in a statement on her website.
“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.”
Film review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – J.K. Rowling magic
The concerns surrounded allegations that Depp had abused his then-wife Amber Heard during their one-year marriage in 2015. After a restraining order due to Heard’s claims of emotional and physical abuse – for which she provided photographs and videos – Heard and Depp reached a US$7 million settlement.
“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, referring to Yates’ comments defending Depp’s casting in an interview with Screenrant in November.
Heard provided court photos showing bruises allegedly inflicted by Depp.
