David Yates defends Johnny Depp’s involvement in Fantastic Beasts

Although his presence, at least when portrayed by Johnny Depp, was minimal in FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM, it's clear that Gellert Grindelwald will have a major part to play in the next four films in the FANTASTIC BEASTS franchise. However, due to allegations of domestic abuse made by Amber Heard last year, not everyone has been overly pleased by Depp's involvement in FANTASTIC BEASTS. After filing for divorce and obtaining a temporary restraining order, Amber Heard claimed that Depp had been "verbally and physically abusive" throughout their relationship. A settlement was later reached and the pair released a joint statement saying that their relationship "was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm."

Given the allegations, there are some who have called for Warner Bros. to recast the role, but director David Yates spoke with Entertainment Weekly to defend the decision to keep Johnny Depp in the role.

Honestly, there’s an issue at the moment where there’s a lot of people being accused of things, they’re being accused by multiple victims, and it’s compelling and frightening. With Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesn’t tally with the kind of human being I’ve been working with.

David Yates also notes that several of Depp's exes, including Vanessa Paradis, Winona Ryder, and Lori Anne Allison, have come forward to defend him. "By testament, some of the women in [Depp’s] life have said the same thing — ‘that’s not the human being we know,'" Yates said. "It’s very different [than cases] where there are multiple accusers over many years that need to be examined and we need to reflect on our industry that allows that to roll on year in and year out. Johnny isn’t in that category in any shape or form. So to me, it doesn’t bear any more analysis. It’s a dead issue." It's a sensitive subject, but it seems that Johnny Depp isn't going anywhere in regards to the FANTASTIC BEASTS franchise. We've yet to have seen Depp really show off what Grindelwald can do, but I'm still wishing that Colin Farrell could have continued in the role.

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD will hit theaters on November 16, 2018.