JK Rowling defends casting Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them sequel
Some fans were said to be unhappy that they didn’t ‘re-cast’ Johnny’s role after his ex-wife Amber Heard accused him of domestic violence
JK Rowling has defended her decision to keep Johnny Depp in his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them sequel.
The actor was accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife Amber Heard following their split in 2016.
Fans of the franchise lashed out at the Harry Potter author after seeing he had been cast in the role again.
JK has now released a statement to discuss the reasoning behind her decision.
She said: “As David Yates, long-time Potter director, has already said, we naturally considered the possibility of recasting. I understand why some have been confused and angry about why that didn’t happen.
“The huge, mutually supportive community that has grown up around Harry Potter is one of the greatest joys of my life.
“For me personally, the inability to speak openly to fans about this issue has been difficult, frustrating and at times painful.
“However, the agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected.”
The statement continued: “Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies.
“I’ve loved writing the first two screenplays and I can’t wait for fans to see The Crimes of Grindelwald.
“I accept that there will be those who are not satisfied with our choice of actor in the title role.
“However, conscience isn’t governable by committee. Within the fictional world and outside it, we all have to do what we believe to be the right thing.”
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Johnny and Amber settled their divorce in August 2016 after she “withdrew her application for a domestic violence restraining order.”
They released a statement afterwards which read: “Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love.
“There was never an intent of physical or emotional harm. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gains.”
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