J.K. Rowling did not argue against Johnny Depp’s firing from Fantastic Beasts 3 according to sources close to the decision. Depp was fired from the film and announced that he would be recast on November 6th. The move comes after a judge in the United Kingdom ruled against Depp’s claims of defamation after he was described as a ‘wife-beater’ in The Sun. The suit is the latest in the long legal battle waged between him and ex-wife Amber Heard. Heard filed for divorce from Depp in 2016, citing an abusive and toxic relationship.
Their years long legal battle still wages on and has divided fans of the franchises in which Depp and Heard star. Fans responded to Depp’s firing by starting a petition for Amber Heard to be removed from Aquaman 2. With other lawsuits still to be resolved, Fantastic Beasts 3 was facing more potential delays if Depp were to be asked to appear in court. The film has already been delayed numerous times, both because of the second film’s performance and the coronavirus pandemic. The film began shooting in London at the end of September.
According to THR, Depp’s firing hinged on the decisions of the court cases he is involved in. When the judge ruled against him in the defamation suit and the decision to let him go was made, Rowling did not push back against the firing. Rowling had previously stood behind Depp and the decision to cast him when the choice first came under fire. Depp will still be paid his full salary, a cool $10 million, more than his two co-stars Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law.
The recent Depp saga is only one of the many controversies that have plagued the Fantastic Beasts series since its inception. Ezra Miller also faced controversy after video of him choking a fan surfaced. Firing Depp is one way to ease the bruising as the saga enters its final years. As one of the film’s biggest stars, Depp’s public image is tied closely to the success of the franchise. With at least two more films planned, and a disappointing performance of the second entry, Warner Bros. needs to pump new life into the franchise. With casting discussions already taking place, it looks as if Warner Bros. is looking to do just that.
Interestingly, Rowling’s previous support of Depp stands in contrast to her passivity in this situation. After controversy over the last year about her transphobic views, it’s likely that Rowling did not want to incite any further public ire. However, her silence on the matter leaves her position open ended. Rowling is, for obvious reasons, highly invested in the franchise and Depp could’ve been a huge box office draw. His leaving Fantastic Beasts 3 could put a dent in the franchise’s reputation and its ability to make a profit. That dent would only further the damage done by Fantastic Beasts 2. One thing is for sure: the Harry Potter IP, once thought invincible, is on shaky ground as the future of the franchise is up in the air.
