David Yates’ “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” hits theaters on Nov. 18, 2016. (Photo : Instagram/eddieposts)
"Fantastic Beasts 2" has found its Big Bad. "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor, Johnny Depp, is now confirmed to board the sequel as Grindelwald.
Depp's involvement with the Eddie Redmayne-starred film was announced earlier this month. But producers have remained tight-lipped about his character. In an interview with The Leaky Cauldron on Thursday, "Fantastic Beasts" director David Yates was first to break the news that Depp will indeed give life to the film franchise's dark wizard.
"Johnny Depp is a real artist," Yates told the site.
"He's created several characters who have really resonated in our popular culture. He's a really brilliant, brilliant actor. We were excited about seeing what he would do with this guy, the character."
Aside from his notable work as Jack Sparrow on Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, Depp's other film credits include "Alice in Wonderland," "Transcendence," "Into the Woods," and "Yoga Hosers." He will be seen next on "Labyrinth" and "Murder on the Orient Express," which are both set for a 2017 release.
In addition to Grindelwald, producers of "Fantastic Beasts 2" are also looking to cast Albus Dumbledore. Two days before Yates confirmed Depp's role, he revealed to Screen Rant that a young version of Dumbledore will appear in the sequel.
"In the second movie Dumbledore comes back," Yates teased.
"He's got a couple of good scenes with Newt... We're discussing who would play Dumbledore, any suggestions would be good."
"Fantastic Beasts" is based on the Hogwarts textbook authored by Scamander. The film, which was penned by author JK Rowling, is not a sequel or a prequel. Instead, it kicks off 70 years before Harry Potter's adventure begins. The film also stars Colin Farrell, Exra Miller, Dan Folger, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight and Carmen Ejogo.
"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" opens in theatres on November 18 this year.
