Deadline is reporting that Mads Mikkelsen (Doctor Strange; Rogue One: A Star Wars Story; Hannibal) is currently in early talks to join the cast of Warner Bros.' Fantastic Beasts 3 as the new Gellert Grindelwald.
While talks are ongoing, he is director David Yates' top pick and if/when a deal closes, he'll take over the role of the legendary wizard from 3x Academy Award-nominee Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean; Public Enemies; Black Mass), who played the part in the first two installments.
Filming is currently underway in the United Kingdom, with both Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law on set. Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, and Victoria Yeates are also expected to reprise their roles.
Due to the unfavorable outcome of his recent libel lawsuit, Depp was asked to resign from the franchise late last week, having only filmed one scene for the threequel prior to departing. However, despite no longer being involved with the film, he'll still be paid his full eight-figure salary for FB3, although it's unclear whether he'll also receive some sort of compensation for the final two chapters as he did originally sign a five-picture deal.
Following an extended production delay due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the studio recently pushed Fantastic Beasts 3 from Fall 2021 to July 15, 2022.
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