A spin-off prequel franchise to the Harry Potter novel and film series, Fantastic Beasts, managed to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and stunning visuals. Out of the three movies, actor Johnny Depp played the iconic role of Gellert Grindelwald in two. For the third film, actor Mads Mikkelsen took over because Depp was removed from the franchise.

Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

At the time, a lot of pressure was on Mikkelsen, especially from Depp’s fans, who were highly disappointed to see Depp’s departure. Mikkelsen once cleared that he had no intention of copying Depp’s energy as it was unique in its own way.

Johnny Depp was fired from the Fantastic Beasts franchise

Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald

Actor Johnny Depp played the role of Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), however, before the third film, the actor was asked to resign, putting an end to his journey.

The star was removed from the franchise in November 2020 due to controversies and legal cases surrounding the actor, including allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife, Amber Heard. Roughly one month later, actor Mads Mikkelsen took his place, playing the role in 2022’s Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.

Mads Mikkelsen explained his approach to the character

Mads Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

In a 2021 interview, Mads Mikkelsen explained that he gave the audience his own version of Gellert Grindelwald as he had no intention of replicating what Depp did in the first two movies (via MovieWeb),
“This is obviously a more direct comparison because it’s the next film. So, we have done a few bridges that will allow us to recognize it, but we’ve also said we have to make it our own. I have been a fan of Johnny Depp since I saw him as a young man, and to try to bring his intensity and his way of doing it into my work is a no-go. I have to find my own, because his is unique, and I just have to let that be and find a different path.”
Many people claimed that Mikkelsen managed to outperform Depp with his work as Gellert Grindelwald in the film. With his legal issues sorted, Depp is trying to find his way back into Hollywood. Given how the audience praised Mikkelsen, it is hard to see Depp replacing him again.

All three films in the franchise have collectively grossed over $1.8 billion at the global box office, making it one of the biggest franchises in the world. All the movies are available for streaming on HBO Max.