While we still have a few weeks to go before the release ofFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Warner Bros. is wasting no time in gettingthe sequelready. Indeed, we learned last month that author/screenwriterJ.K. Rowlingis planning a five-film franchise in all, with directorDavid Yates—who helmed the final fourHarry Pottermovies in addition toFantastic Beasts—also returning to helmFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2. And now, a major casting announcement has been made: the sequel will be addingJohnny Deppin a co-starring role.
Per Deadline, Depp is set to star in theFantastic Beastssequel, but details are mum regarding his role. However, the report notes that hemayhave a brief cameo inFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and with an actor of his caliber joining the Wizarding World, one imagines it’s a significant character.
So who will Depp play? Well, last month Rowling and Yates dropped hints thatGellert Grindewald will be playing a major roleinFantastic Beastsmovies to come. You may recall from the books and films that Grindewald was a teenage friend of Albus Dumbledore’s (also the love of his life, according to Rowling), but after the accidental death of Dumbledore’s sister, Grindewald took off with the Elder Wand in tow. According toPotterlore, Grindewald went on a sort of reign of terror during the 1920s—whenFantastic Beaststakes place—and odds are on him as the “big bad” of this newFantastic Beastsfranchise.
So, Depp could be playing Grindewald, who was played byJamie Campbell Bowerin a couple flashbacks inHarry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. Or, and this is where it gets really interesting, maybe Depp is playing Dumbledore? We know Dumbledore’sveryold during the time ofPotter, and we know he plays some sort of periphery role inFantastic Beasts, so is it possible that Depp is bringing the character back to life afterRichard HarrisandMichael Gambon’s iconic portrayals in thePotterfranchise?
Time will tell. Depp is currently gearing up to start filmingMurder on the Orient Expressand will move from that film directly intoFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2. The only other cast member we have confirmed for the sequel isEddie Redmayne, but I imagine that’ll change onceFantastic Beastsopens. Filming is poised to get underway early next year whileFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themhits theaters on November 18th.
What do you think, folks? Who will Depp be playing? Sound off in the comments below.Fantastic Beasts 2opens in theaters on June 22, 2025.
