Nearly 200,000 supporters of Hollywood star Johnny Depp have demanded the star is reinstated in Fantastic Beasts 3 after he was fired by Warner Bros.
After losing the ‘wife-beater’ libel trial, the 57-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean star was asked to quit from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Adhering to the demands of the motion pictures giant, Depp agreed to quit but vowed to keep on fighting to clear his name.
Following his resignation, thousands of fans have signed a change.org petition in hopes of pressuring Warner Bros. into securing Depp’s return to the popular movie franchise.
“Johnny Depp was asked by Warner Bros to resign and leave his role of Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts 3 movie,” the petition reads.
“This happened because of the verdict of his case with ‘The Sun’ tabloid that was completely unfair. We want him back! Warner Bros should listen to the public or we will boycott the movie!!!”
The petition and its signatures follow shortly after the Pirates of the Caribbean star confirmed he had adhered to Warner Bros.’ request and announced he will continue his fight “to tell the truth” and to clear his name.
“In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement,” the actor wrote.
“Firstly I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days.
“Secondly, 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 that and agreed to that request.
“Finally I wish to say this. The surreal judgment of the court in the U.K. will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal.
“My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time. Thank you for reading. Sincerely, Johnny Depp.”
Confirming the actor’s departure from the franchise was also Warner Bros. who announced that the role of Grindelwald will be recast.
“Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date. Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently in production, and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast. The film will debut in theatres worldwide in the summer of 2022,” they shared in a statement.
Replaced!