4h 10min, nov 5, 2020 y - THE GUARDIAN Lost the magic? Warner Bros struggles with Depp fallout and Witches criticism

Description:

Lost the magic? Warner Bros struggles with Depp fallout and Witches criticism

The studio is dealing with censure from disability campaigners in its Anne Hathaway vehicle and must decide whether to recast Johnny Depp’s Fantastic Beasts role

By Ben Child

It’s a tough break for Warner at a time when another decision once made, no doubt, in reasonably good faith now looks destined to have ugly ramifications for its future slate. In the wake of Johnny Depp’s failed libel case against the Sun for calling him “a wife beater”, the studio now has to decide whether to recast the role of villain Grindelwald in the forthcoming third instalment of JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Unconfirmed rumours suggest that Depp’s screen time could be drastically reduced, though that seems to be a pointless compromise. Either the Pirates of the Caribbean star (for whom future appearances as Captain Jack Sparrow also seem unlikely) is persona non grata in Hollywood, or Warner takes a hugely controversial decision to stick with him through his current difficulties.

Otherwise, reduced screen time or not, Grindelwald’s every moment in the spotlight is likely to be greeted by a chorus of boos. And this is not a fantasy franchise that needs any more negative publicity, after Rowling found herself criticised following her essay on trans rights and 2018’s second instalment The Crimes of Grindelwald met with a lukewarm reception from critics.

Perhaps there’s a solution built in to the franchise. Grindelwald was played by Colin Farrell in the first film of the saga, though Dumbledore’s nemesis was at the time disguising himself as the high-ranking auror Percival Graves. If he can shapeshift once, who’s to say that Grindelwald’s true appearance hasn’t yet been revealed, a development that would allow a new actor to be cast, Doctor Who style.

Let’s hope Warner Bros makes its call sooner rather than later, because the sight of Depp centre stage right now in any movie, Hollywood or otherwise, is about as palatable to 21st-century audiences as Dahl’s dodgy Mark 1 Oompa Loompas.

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: