Mads Mikkelson has spoken about replacing Johnny Depp in the Fantasic Beasts films.
In a new interview, the acclaimed actor said that the difference between him and Depp playing the role was that “it’s going to be me, so that’s a difference,” he said.
“This is the tricky part. We’re still working it out. There has to be a bridge between what Johnny did and what I’m going to do. And at the same time, I also have to make it my own.”
In the interview with news outlet EW, Mikkelson said: “But also we have to find a few links [to the previous version of the character] and some bridges so it doesn’t completely detach from what he’s already masterfully achieved.”
Mikkelson also addressed the circumstances in which he came to be in the role.
“Job-wise, it’s obviously super interesting and nice. It’s also a shocker that it came after what happened, which is just super sad,” he said.
“I wish both of them the best. These are sad circumstances. I hope both of them will be back in the saddle again really soon.”
On November 27, it was announced that Depp’s character, Grindelwald, was about to get a whole new look. Literally.
In an announcement, Warner Bros revealed that acclaimed actor, Mikkelson, will replace the star in the next instalment of the movie franchise.
Known for Casino Royale, Hannibal and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the 55-year-old will play Grindelwald after the movie house announced Depp’s departure.
The Pirates of the Caribbean actor stepped down after losing a libel case over a newspaper article which called him a “wife-beater”.
“Johnny Depp will depart the Fantastic Beasts franchise. We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date,” Warner Bros said in a statement, concluding that “the film will debut in theatres worldwide in the summer of 2022.”
Depp himself also announced the news via social media, thanking fans for their support and revealing that the studio had asked him to “resign”.
“I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request,” he wrote.
“I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days.
“Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement (sic) of the court in the UK will not change my fight, to tell the truth, and I confirm that I plan to appeal. My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time.”
Depp has been plagued by headlines surrounding the breakdown of his marriage with actor Amber Heard, who alleged that her former husband physically and verbally abused her.
At the beginning of November, JK Rowling, who herself has been marred by controversy, also put out a statement regarding the casting.
“Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies,” she said at the time.
Mikkelson will join The Fantastic Beast franchise alongside stars Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston and Jude Law.