Johnny Depp seeks trial delay for 'Fantastic Beasts 3' filming

The coronavirus pandemic had halted and continues to halt the production and release of countless films and TV shows across the world.

As a result, shooting for the latest instalment of the Fantastic Beasts franchise has also been extended to early 2021.

But the new dates now overlap with actor Johnny Depp's defamation suit against former wife Amber Heard according to Hollywood Reporter. Thus, the star has filed a motion for continuance asking the court to delay the trial until sometime between March and June 2021.

"When the Court set the current trial date in this case, Mr. Depp understood that Warner Bros planned to shoot Fantastic Beasts 3 in London long before 11 January, 2021," states the filing.

"Covid-19 disrupted the studio's plans, causing repeated postponements. With conditions in London having improved somewhat, Warner Bros has now set a shooting schedule that conflicts with the trial date in this case."

Depp says he was notified on August 19 that he would be required for filming between early October till mid-February, which clashes with the proposed trial dates of 11-28 January. 

"Mr. Depp would face potential liability for breach of contract should he fail to comply with the schedule contractually dictated by Warner Bros," the filing states. "Though Mr Depp is eager to proceed to trial, he faces an untenable situation over which he has no control."

The actor has also argued that Heard wouldn't be prejudiced by a postponement.

However, the former wife and actor is expected to film Aquaman 2 sometime in 2021 ahead of its scheduled release in late 2022, but the production schedule for the film has not been made public.

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