Mads Mikkelsen to replace Johnny Depp in 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise

Danish actor, 55, is known for his role as Hannibal Lecter, the serial killer in US television series

LOS ANGELES:

Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen has been chosen to replace Johnny Depp in the upcoming third film in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, Warner Bros. said on Wednesday.

Mikkelsen, 55, who is known for his role as serial killer Hannibal Lecter in the US television series Hannibal, will play the evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the spinoff film from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

Depp was forced to exit the role earlier this month after losing a libel case in Britain against a tabloid newspaper that branded him a “wife beater.” The three-week trial in July heard evidence from Depp and his former wife Amber Heard about a tempestuous marriage marked by violence on both sides and of heavy drinking by Depp.

Depp, who had earlier begun production on the third Fantastic Beasts film in London, said he was asked to leave by Warner Bros.

Mikkelsen also played roles in action films Doctor Strange and Casino Royale as well as taking roles in Danish dramas such as The Hunnt and A Royal Affair.

The Fantastic Beasts films, based on the magical adventures of Newt Scamander, are set some 60 years before the Harry Potter films but feature several of the same key characters when they were younger.

The third as yet untitled film in the series is set for release in July 2022.

The first two of the five planned Fantastic Beasts films earned $1.5 billion at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo.

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