It must be complicated as an actor to replace another beloved actor in a fantastic part — while you are obviously excited for yourself and for the opportunities you’ve received, you also don’t want to upset fans of the franchise or the actor and seem too happy that they lost the job in the first place.
Mads Mikkelsen is navigating that delicate path in his first interview since replacing Johnny Depp in the Fantastic Beasts films.
Johnny Depp had portrayed the villain Gellert Grindelwald in the *Fantastic Beasts* franchise in the previous films, but resigned from the role last month.
“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,” Johnny shared at the start of November.
It was soon announced that actor Mads Mikkelsen would be taking over the role.
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In a new interview , Mads has opened up about the casting for the first time.
“Well it’s going to be me, so that’s a difference,” Mads responded when asked how his portrayal would differ from Depp’s.
“No, this is the tricky part. We’re still working it out,” Mads continued. “There has to be a bridge between what Johnny did and what I’m going to do. And at the same time, I also have to make it my own.”
“But also we have to find a few links and some bridges so it doesn’t completely detach from what he’s already masterfully achieved.”
“Job-wise, it’s obviously super interesting and nice,” Mads said of getting the part, but added, “It’s also a shocker that it came after what happened, which is just super sad. I wish both of them the best. These are sad circumstances.”
“I hope both of them will be back in the saddle again really soon.”
It’s unclear exactly who Mads was referring to, but it’s likely he was referencing the ongoing legal battle between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard.
What do you think of Mads’ response? Let us know in the comments below!
h/t: Entertainment Weekly
