Posted in: Movies | Tagged: fantastic beasts, grindelwald, j k rowling, johnny depp, the crimes of grindelwald

Harry Potter Creator J.K. Rowling "Genuinely Happy" to Have Johnny Depp as Grindelwald

Published Thu, 07 Dec 2017 11:36:37 -0600

Last updated Thu, 07 Dec 2017 12:35:27 -0600

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has issued a public statement on the casting Johnny Depp as dark wizard Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and its sequel, The Crimes of Grindelwald. On Twitter, Rowling announced that she as saying "what she can" about the casting, directing readers to a statement posted on her website which says she and director David Yates "considered" recasting after stories about Depp in the press involving claims of domestic violence against ex-wife Amber Heard "deeply concerned me and everyone one most closely involved in the franchise."

However, Rowling later went on to say that "Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies." She concludes by saying, "I accept that there will be those who are not satisfied with our choice of actor in the title role. However, conscience isn't governable by committee."

Read Rowling's full statement below:

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.

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. I understand why some have been confused and angry about why that didn't happen.

The huge, mutually supportive community that has grown up around Harry Potter is one of the greatest joys of my life. For me personally, the inability to speak openly to fans about this issue has been difficult, frustrating and at times painful. However, the agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected. Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies.

I've loved writing the first two screenplays and I can't wait for fans to see 'The Crimes of Grindelwald'. I accept that there will be those who are not satisfied with our choice of actor in the title role. However, conscience isn't governable by committee. Within the fictional world and outside it, we all have to do what we believe to be the right thing.

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