Mads Mikkelsen to take over Gellert Grindelwald role

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen has been reported to replace Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald in the 3rd instalment of JK Rowling's Fantastic Beasts films.

Mikkelsen, who is known for his work in Hannibal, Doctor Strange and Casino Royale, comes into this antagonist role as Depp loses his "wife beater" libel case against the Sun.

It is thought that since the loss of the case, Warner Bros asked Depp "to resign" from the studio and subsequently the film.

In a statement, he said: "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."

Depp was reportedly only able to shoot one scene for the new Fantastic Beasts film due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is hoped that the film will be released in July 2022, 8 months later than its initially intended release date.