Fantastic Beasts 3: Mads Mikkelsen Responds To Rumors About Replacing Johnny Depp

After Johnny Depp left the cast of Fantastic Beasts 3, it was reported that Warner Bros. was eyeing Mads Mikkelsen to take over in the role of the evil wizard Grindelwald. Mikkelsen addressed these rumors for what appears to be the first time in an interview with IGN.

The Hannibal star said he's "waiting for that phone call," and can only reference what's being reported in the press. He might know more than he's letting on, for but now, that's all Mikkelsen could say.

"Oh, that is on the rumor basis as we speak," Mikkelsen said. "So I know as much as you do from the newspapers. So I'm waiting for that phone call."

Depp resigned from Fantastic Beasts 3 amid his messy lawsuit with Amber Heard. The Oscar-nominated actor is said to have been paid an 8-figure fee ($10 million or more) as part of his exit package after reportedly filming just one scene for the forthcoming magical movie.

Fantastic Beasts 3 is expected to hit theaters in summer 2022, following a delay related to Depp's exit and the search for a replacement. The film will see the returns of Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore.