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200,000 People Sign Petition Demanding Johnny Depp Should Star In Fantastic Beasts 3

200,000 People Sign Petition Demanding Johnny Depp Should Star In Fantastic Beasts 3

The actor was asked to quit following his recent libel case

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Thousands of people have signed a petition demanding that Johnny Depp should be brought back for the upcoming Fantastic Beasts movie.

The actor was recently asked to resign from his role as Grindelwald in the hit movie after losing his libel case against The Sun newspaper and executive editor Dan Wootton.

Depp had taken the newspaper to court after it published a story calling him a 'wife beater' - following the ruling, bosses asked him to quit the film.

However, fans have not taken the news very well and threatened to boycott the sequel if the 57-year-old is not rehired, with more than 200,000 people, so far, signing it.

The change.org petition says: "Johnny Depp was asked by Warner Bros to resign and leave his role of Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts 3 movie. This happened because of the verdict of his case with 'The Sun' tabloid that was completely unfair. We want him back! Warner Bros should listen to the public or we will boycott the movie!!!"

Fans have demanded Depp return to his role in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts movie.
Warner Bros.

However, despite Depp's removal from the role, it was revealed recently that he will still receive an eight-figure salary, having already filmed one scene for the film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Pirates of The Caribbean star will still be entitled to what is said to be an eight-figure deal with the studio, meaning he'll walk away with at least $10 million (£7.6m).

Filming started for the movie on 20 September in London Depp had what is known as a 'pay-or-play contact' which requires him to be fully compensated whether or not the film is made - even if he is recast.

Depp's court case against The Sun centred on whether an article published in the paper, in which Depp was called a 'wife beater', was libellous.

Depp argued the case had been aggravated by his name being included alongside that of convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein, as well as the fact The Sun retained the article on its website.

The article claimed that Depp had assaulted his ex-wife Amber Heard, 34, leading to a legal battle which has been described as the biggest English libel trial of the 21st century.

The case was decided on the balance of probabilities - a lower standard than required in a criminal case - and the court found in favour of The Sun.

The actor vowed to fight his libel case.
PA

Following the ruling, Depp vowed to fight the case and confirmed that he was going to appeal the decision.

The actor took to Instagram to confirm that he intended to appeal the decision, adding that his 'career will not be defined' by it.

Thanking his supporters, he said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who gifted me their support and loyalty.

"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."

Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros.

Topics: johnny depp, Entertainment, US News, US Entertainment