Jude Law Says Johnny Depp's Departure From Fantastic Beasts Was 'Unusual'

Jude Law has said it felt 'unusual' after his Fantastic Beasts co-star Johnny Depp was asked to resign from the franchise.

Depp was asked to step down from his role as Grindelwald by the movie's bosses following his unsuccessful libel case against the Sun newspaper over an article which described him as a 'wife beater'.

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Co-star Law, who plays a young Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter spin-offs, has said the situation felt 'unusual' for him, but said actors have to go along with the decisions made the studio.

Talking to Entertainment Tonight, Law said: "In a situation like this, you defer to the studio. That's all you can do. Because you have to turn up and play your part.

"It was unusual for me because, in fact, on this particular role. Johnny had actually only done a day's filming, I think, on his own.

"In a franchise like this, it's the studio and the company that make the big decisions. And you have to go along with those, because we're just a member of the team."

Earlier this month, Depp lost his libel case against the Sun over an article in which he had been labelled a 'wife beater' in regards to his relationship with Amber Heard.

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Depp announced he had been asked to resign from the movie on Instagram, where he shared a statement that read: "In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement.

"Firstly, I'd like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty.

"I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days.

"Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request.

"Finally, I wish to say this.

"The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal.

"My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time."

Following the ruling in its favour, the Sun released a statement via a spokesperson, which read: "The Sun has stood up and campaigned for the victims of domestic abuse for over twenty years.

"Domestic abuse victims must never be silenced and we thank the Judge for his careful consideration and thank Amber Heard for her courage in giving evidence to the court."

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

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