"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" director David Yates and scriptwriter J.K. Rowling have confirmed Johnny Depp's role in the sequel due in 2018. The Hollywood actor will play the evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald.
Earlier this month various reports confirmed the news about Depp's casting. He made a cameo as a Grindelwald in the "Fantastic Beasts" prequel which is currently playing in theaters worldwide.
Depp will be playing a big role in the movie as an evil wizard who is also a friend and love interest of a younger Albus Dumbledore, the most loved Hogwarts' headmaster in the "Harry Potter" series, according to BBC.
ET Online also revealed this is his first big role after his high-profile divorce with ex-wife Amber Heard. Consequently, Depp's casting in the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" recently made headlines. It drew disappointment among fans due to domestic abuse claims previously filed against him by Heard. However, the movie production team was quick to defend the casting of the actor.
The above mentioned BBC report covered the world premiere of "Fantastic Beasts" in New York where director Yates described Depp as an "extraordinary talent" and a "huge [Harry] Potter fan".
He and producer David Heyman "simply went for the most inspired, interesting and right fit for the character," according to the Daily Mail Online. "As we started to approach Grindelwald, we thought, 'Who's going to take this in an interesting direction?' In this business you're a star one week, people are saying odd things the next, but no one takes away your pure talent," the "Fantastic Beasts" producer explained.
Depp is widely acclaimed for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Carribean" movie franchise. The fifth instalment of "Pirates of the Carribean" is due in May 2017, ET Online reported.
Moreover, he is also busy preparing for true crime drama "Labyrinth", remake of "The Murder on the Orient Express" under the direction of Kenneth Branagh, and the upcoming remake of the sci-fi classic "The Invisible Man".
Watch the "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them" cast talk about Johnny Depp's secret cameo in the film.