Mads Mikkelsen is set to play Gellert Grindelwald in the 'Fantastic Beasts' threequel, Warner Bros. has announced.
Rumours that the Danish actor could be replacing Johnny Depp in the role of Gellert Grindelwald have been circulating for the last couple of weeks.
Depp previously announced that he'd "been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in 'Fantastic Beasts' and [had] respected and agreed to that request."
He had first played the role of the evil wizard in 2016's 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'.
He reprised the role in 2018 sequel 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald'. He had shot just one scene for the threequel before exiting the franchise.
The departure came in the aftermath of Depp losing his UK libel trial with the Sun newspaper regarding abuse allegations by ex-wife Amber Heard.
Mikkelsen has played a number of antagonists in the past. His credits include 'Casino Royale', 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', 'Doctor Strange' and 'Hannibal'.
He can be seen in the film 'Another Round' when Irish cinemas reopen.
The latest installment in the series is currently in production at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden outside of London.
'Fantastic Beasts 3' is set to open on July 15, 2022.
