Fans are calling to replace Johnny Depp in the new “Fantastic Beasts” movie

On Thursday, November 16th, Warner Bros. announced the second installment of the Fantastic Beasts saga: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The film’s title reveal seemed unfortunate, ironic, or a little of both, because Johnny Depp, who plays the Fantastic Beasts villain Gellert Grindelwald, was accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife, Amber Heard, in 2016.

Many fans are displeased that Depp remains cast in the series and also because the next film will revolve around his character.

Depp’s removal could have been a potentially easy fix for the film’s producers. In the first 2016 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Grindelwald was in a magical disguise for most of the movie and played by Colin Farrell. The character as Depp has not had much previous screen time, so recasting him wouldn’t have felt that disruptive.

Many fans of the franchise have taken to Twitter to express their dislike of the producers’ decision. They point to the fact that the film’s title should potentially be reconsidered if Depp remains in the cast.

Here’s what they have to say:

recast grindelwald

— Jot (@LostJawa) November 16, 2017

https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/931162778718605312

Beautiful photo, except for the abuser on the right. When will Johnny Depp leave the movie?

— lari ruiva (@larigouveia) November 16, 2017

false

When you find out druggy drunk Johnny Depp is still grindelwald pic.twitter.com/48dw0KcIH0

— Not A Muggle (@GamerScreenArt) November 16, 2017

The Crimes of Grindelwald is a pretty ballsy title for a film failing to address the problematic assault charges of its biggest star…like…way to lean in?

— Kerri Donnelly (@kdscripted) November 16, 2017

false false

We think Dana Schwartz perfectly puts the absurdity of keeping Depp on board into perspective: false

Last minute revisions to big films have been made in recent history. Kevin Spacey was removed from Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World just a month before the film’s scheduled release. With still a year to go before the Fantastic Beasts premiere, perhaps the backlash from fans will make producers rethink their main casting choice.