Johnny Depp’s casting as Gellert Grindelwald for the first Fantastic Beasts film was controversial, to say the least, and there were even rumors at one point that he would be recast for the second installment. But alas, he is returning to the role and even got the movie named after him in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald. Not only does he play a much larger part in the sequel, but it looks like he’s here to stay in the Wizarding World universe.

In a recent interview with Collider, Johnny Depp confirmed he would be returning as Grindelwald for the third Fantastic Beasts film while describing his love for playing the character.

“I loved it yeah. I loved it because that’s really an arena where you can fly around and try different things and approach a character with a lot more…um…to take someone who is teetering on being a fascist, yeah he’s a fascist, he’s one of those, but to play him as a sensitive, concerned yet manipulative and powerful wizard. The possibilities in that world are wide open, so you can really try anything. So it was a gas and I look forward to the next installment, which I think we start the middle of next year.”

With the Fantastic Beasts series planning to go up to at least 5 films, it’s safe to assume Johnny Depp won’t be going anywhere any time soon. As he stated in the interview, they are expected to start filming Fantastic Beasts 3 in the middle of next year, which will prepare them well enough for the November 2020 release date.

Are you excited to see Johnny Depp return as Grindelwald for future Fantastic Beasts sequels, or would like to see his character written out or recast? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter at SuperBroMovies.

–Caleb Sadd

Source: Collider

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald releases in theaters on November 18th.

At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.