JK Rowling releases statement defending decision to cast Johnny Depp as Grindelwald

JK Rowling has taken to her website to release a statement on the decision to keep Johnny Depp as part of the cast of the next Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie.

Johnny was cast as Gellert Grindelwald before his abuse allegations towards ex-wife Amber Heard came to light. Once they became known in the media, lots of people began to wonder whether or not JK would replace him. When it appeared she would not be making changes to the cast, they took to social media to plead with the author and to give out about the situation.

I'm livid about the Johnny Depp casting. It's revealed that you attacked and abused your wife and then you get this? No. Absolutely not.

— rosianna halse rojas (@papertimelady) November 2, 2016

@jk_rowling is it too late to change the decision on Depp in #FantasticBeasts? If you have any casting powers we'd all rly appreciate it❤️ https://t.co/HGkz5z3plC

— (((Loryn Brantz))) (@LorynBrantz) November 6, 2016

Now, almost a year since the news was revealed that he would be joining the franchise, JK has had her say on the matter through a statement she released on her website. It reads:

"When Johnny Depp was cast as Grindelwald, I thought he’d be wonderful in the role. However, around the time of filming his cameo in the first movie, stories had appeared in the press that deeply concerned me and everyone most closely involved in the franchise. Harry Potter fans had legitimate questions and concerns about our choice to continue with Johnny Depp in the role. As David Yates, long-time Potter director, has already said, we naturally considered the possibility of recasting. I understand why some have been confused and angry about why that didn’t happen. The huge, mutually supportive community that has grown up around Harry Potter is one of the greatest joys of my life. For me personally, the inability to speak openly to fans about this issue has been difficult, frustrating and at times painful. However, the agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected. 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. I’ve loved writing the first two screenplays and I can’t wait for fans to see ‘The Crimes of Grindelwald’. I accept that there will be those who are not satisfied with our choice of actor in the title role. However, conscience isn’t governable by committee. Within the fictional world and outside it, we all have to do what we believe to be the right thing."