Mads Mikkelsen Replaces Johnny Depp In Fantastic Beasts

Etonline.com: Mads Mikkelsen is entering the wizarding world of Fantastic Beasts. The Hannibal star has signed on to replace Johnny Depp as the villainous Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the forthcoming third installment in the blockbuster franchise.

Warner Bros. announced the news in a press release on Wednesday. Production on the third film is currently underway at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, near London.

Depp played Grindelwald in the first two installments of the franchise -- appearing as a cameo in the first film and starring as the primary antagonist in the second, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald.

However, Depp revealed earlier this month that he would be departing the franchise at the behest of Warner Bros.