Warner Bros. has pushed back the theatrical release date ofFantastic Beasts 3from November 2021 to July 24, 2025. The decision comes just days after the studio asked for the resignation of Johnny Depp, who portrayed the main antagonist Gellert Grindelwald in the first two chapters of theHarry Potterprequel film series.
Warner Bros. had requested Depp’s resignationshortly after the actor lost a libel case againstThe Sun, a British tabloid that had labeled Depp a “wife-beater” in a 2018 article based on alleged domestic violence committed by Depp against then-wife Amber Heard. While a U.K. judge ruled against Depp in his libel case againstThe Sun’s publisher, News Group Newspapers, in his statement announcing his resignation fromFantastic Beasts 3. the actor confirmed he plans to appeal the decision.
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Before selecting the new July 15 date, Warner Bros. issued its own statement regarding Depp’s departure that only notedFantastic Beasts 3would be postponed to an undetermined time in 2022. PerVariety, Depp’s exit is not expected to impact the production schedule ofFantastic Beasts 3in a significant way, which appears to be continuing as the search for his replacement is underway. However, Depp willstill receive his full 8-figure salarydespite having shot only one scene forFantastic Beasts 3due to the “pay-or-play” terms of his contract, which stipulates that he must be paid regardless of whether or not he finishes the film.
There have been calls to remove Depp from theFantastic Beastsfilm series due to the allegations of abuse made by Heard ever since he debuted in the first installment. However, both director David Yates andHarry Potterauthor J. K. Rowling, who retains significant creative control over the film franchise, hadpreviously supported Depp amid the allegations. Rowling reportedly did not object to Warner Bros.' decision to ask for Depp’s resignation following the result of the libel case.
Rowling herself has been criticized due to her string oftransphobic comments on social media. While Rowling has only doubled-down on her beliefs in the past year, cast members of both theFantastic BeastsandHarry Potterhave expressed support for the transgender community.
Still, the damage to theHarry Potterlegacy has already been done in the eyes of many. In fact, some members of the trans community and supporters havecampaigned to boycottany material, from films to books to video games, that would financially support Rowling.
Fantastic Beasts 3is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.
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