
Mads Mikkelsen is taking on one of the darkest wizards in the Harry Potter universe. The acclaimed Danish actor and Hannibal alum, 55, was announced in November as Johnny Depp‘s replacement for the role of Gellert Grindelwald for the upcoming third film in the Fantastic Beasts series. “They’re fantastic, nice people,” Mads shared with AP in a December 16 interview.
“David [Yates, the film’s director] is fantastic, super nice, wonderful director. So, so far, it’s been great.” Upon being asked whether or not he’s spoken to Johnny, 57, Mads revealed if the actor imparted any advice to him or spoke to him since the casting change. “No, I don’t know him,” Mads revealed.

Mads’ latest interview comes nearly two months after Johnny Depp resigned from the role of Grindelwald on November 6. “I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts, and I have respected and agreed to that request,” an excerpt from Johnny’s statement read. The actor was asked to step down from the role following his libel suit against The Sun over an article involving allegations of abuse chronicled by his ex-wife, Amber Heard. Johnny lost the suit but planned to appeal the ruling.

From 2013 to 2015, he took on the iconic role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter in series Hannibal. Now, he’s under the direction of David Yates, who’s helmed four Harry Potter films and the two previous Fantastic Beasts movies. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 3 is slated for a 2022 release and will co-star Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore.