Here are our top 5 picks for new Gellert Grindelwald
What's the story
Unfortunately, Johnny Depp has been told to leave his tyrannically impactful role of Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The film, already into production, has a 2022 release date, which gives very little time in the hands of Warner Bros to choose the next best option. Every actor brings their flavor to a character, and here are our five Depp replacements.
Dr. Hannibal Lecter
Mads Mikkelsen: Made Dr. Hannibal Lecter more famous
Doctor Hannibal Lecter is the role Mads Mikkelsen has been famously known for. He took the challenge of living up to Anthony Hopkins' "unparalleled" portrayal of the psychopath cannibal psychiatrist to a realm of unnerving devilry that can't be replicated. Mikkelsen also gave a tough time to Doctor Strange in the Marvel sorcerer's first film, making him the first and strongest Grindelwald contender.
Dracula
Gary Oldman: There's no doubt about this one
Let's talk about two of Gary Oldman's films: The first, The Book of Eli, in which he played the role of a mobster putting his own daughter up for prostitution as one of the services of his hotel. Then comes Dracula, where Oldman played the all-powerful vampire count to perfection. So, there's absolutely no reason why he can't pull off an aged Grindelwald.
Erik in X-Men
Michael Fassbender: Why he should be considered, seriously
Remember the stone-cold eyes of a grown-up Erik tossing his coin to avenge his mother's death in X-Men: First Class? Go watch the movie if you haven't yet because it shows the endless potential Michael Fassbender has to school his industry contemporaries on villainy. Brooding good looks but mischief in the eyes: These are telltale signs of Grindelwald and WB should consider him seriously.
The Batman
Colin Farrell: You can't enough of him for sure
Watch him in Miami Vice as the drop-dead handsome detective. Then watch him as a bald, power-hungry, drug-addict, rich, quintessential spoiled brat in Horrible Bosses. You just can't get enough of Colin Farrell, who can sport any look you want and get under the skin of any character you want. For the record, you can't identify him as Penguin in Robert Pattinson-starrer The Batman!
THE CHOICE!
Leonardo DiCaprio: If only eyes could act...
If he decides to explore away from Martin Scorsese's guaranteed excellence, Leonardo DiCaprio might find his Shutter Island psycho-grin most suited to Grindelwald's scary presence. He's an actor who fooled global stereotypes right after Titanic with diverse roles in Blood Diamond, Shutter Island, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, and what not! Here's WB's pick for a man who acts with eyes only.