The newest teaser for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald was recently released, and as epic and exciting as it looks, fans couldn't get past the fact that Johnny would be such a main character for the next film.
Why are they so upset? Because during the first movie's release, Johnny Depp was undergoing a domestic violence accusation from his ex-wife Amber Heard. Although he was never convicted or charged with a crime, it has still upset some fans that he is still holding onto this major role.
Now, JK Rowling is finally breaking her silence on the matter.
She took to her website to defend their casting decision, and fans aren't happy with the way she handled it.
She explained that when Johnny was first cast, she 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 involved in the film."
She acknowledges that she is aware of the "legitimate questions and concerns" fans have pointed out and understands why they are "confused and angry".
"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 movie."
She finished her statement by admitting that she "accepts 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 is the right thing."
But, as expected, fans aren't accepting it.
The film, which will also star newcomers Jude Law and Zoë Kravitz, will be released in November 2018.
If you, or someone you know, has experienced sexual harassment in any way, speak confidentially to a trained counsellor 24 hours a day:
Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
Lifeline on 13 11 14.
