Johnny Depp’s ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Replacement Mads Mikkelsen Reveals If They’ve Spoken

Mads Mikkelsen spoke candidly with AP Entertainment about taking over for Johnny Depp's role of Gellert Grindelwald in the 'Fantastic Beasts' series, confessing he 'wish' he had Johnny's 'phone number.'

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December 22, 2020 1:43PM EST
Johnny Depp, Mads Mikkelsen
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Johnny Depp with fans in front of the Stadthalle Offenbach Johnny Depp meeting his fans in front of Offenbach Town Hall, Hesse, Germany - 06 Jul 2022
Johnny Depp with fans in front of the Stadthalle Offenbach Johnny Depp meeting his fans in front of Offenbach Town Hall, Hesse, Germany - 06 Jul 2022
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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.

Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald [Everett].
The new Grindelwald went on to explain that he had only met Johnny “once.” He did, however, seemingly express interest in reaching out to Johnny. “I wish I had his phone number, but unfortunately that’s not the case,” he said. In terms of how his process is going, though, Mads said that there’s “nothing else” he could do. “The only approach I can have is connect the bridge between what he did and what I’m going to do and then we’ll see what lands,” he said.

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.

Mads Mikkelsen spoke with AP about whether or not he had spoken to Johnny Depp since taking over as Gellert Grindelwald in the upcoming third ‘Fantastic Beasts’ film [AP].
The third installment of the Fantastic Beasts film series is currently filming in London. It seems the role of Grindelwald is in very good hands with Mads Mikkelsen, considering the incredibly credits he already has listed on his filmography. The Danish actor has appeared in period piece dramas like A Royal Affair (2012), thrillers like The Hunt (also 2012), and portrayed villain Kaecilius in Doctor Strange (2016).

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.