Johnny Depp has joined the Wizarding World as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts. But apparently this casting has been in the works since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
Depp was a late addition to Fantastic Beasts and only appears briefly in the film, but his character is set to return for a much bigger role in the sequel, likely serving as the five-part movie series’ over-arching villain.
It’ll all culminate in the fifth and final movie, which J.K. Rowling has revealed is set in 1945, where Grindelwald and Dumbledore (who has yet to be cast) will meet for an epic duel, and Dumbledore will win the allegiance of the Elder Wand.
But not all Harry Potter fans were excited about Johnny Depp joining Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in such a pivotal role: The actor’s recent character work, his status as a huge Hollywood star, as well as personal life scandals all contributed to many fans’ lukewarm (or outright furious) responses to the casting announcement.
Related: Fantastic Beasts spoilers: The 5 biggest OMG moments, and what they mean
Meanwhile, Director David Yates and Screenwriter J.K. Rowling have both praised the actor and expressed delight at his casting. And thanks to the sleuthing of Hypable staffer Tariq Kyle, we’re learning that this might not be the first time Warner Bros. has tried to get Depp involved with the franchise.
Back in 2008, a rumor started circulating in the Harry Potter fan community alleging that Johnny Depp had met with Warner Bros. about potentially appearing in Deathly Hallows – Part 1.
The rumor appears to have originated on the now-defunct flixter.com, with johnny-depp.org also crediting an unnamed source with the information.
As Jamie Campbell-Bower had already been cast as the teenage version of Grindelwald at this stage, Depp would most likely have been in talks to play the older Grindelwald.
Or, more intriguingly: Perhaps there were plans for more flashbacks, showing the character at the height of his power and elaborating on Dumbledore and Grindelwald’s shared backstory.
While we’re glad they left this part of the story out, because it now allows Rowling to explore it in more detail through Fantastic Beasts, the Johnny Depp of 2008 certainly would have lent a lot of klout to what would ultimately have been a small but emotional role.
Of course it should be noted that these rumors were unsubstantiated and could very likely not be true at all. If Yates and Warner Bros. had been trying to get Johnny Depp for Deathly Hallows, it certainly would be weird to keep quiet about it now, considering it’s a relevant argument for casting him in Fantastic Beasts.
But even if this was just wishful thinking from fans (or perhaps Depp was meeting with Warner Bros. for another project), it’s kind of hilarious that the fandom was already talking about Johnny Depp playing Grindelwald back in 2008, before anyone had plans to make a prequel movie series exploring this character!
For posterity, here are some of the reactions from fans to the original story, taken from the Harry Potter Wikia:
I don’t think it’s true, but it would be cool. — Seth Cooper 20:56, 28 July 2008 (UTC)
I’m doubtful Johnny Depp will play him as Johnny Depp is American. –RandomEnigma 22:12, 18 August 2009 (UTC)
I don’t think Johnny Depp would be good in a Harry Potter movie…I don’t know why, I just don’t. And as JK Rowling said, Dumbledore was in love with GG… so Dumbledore in love with Johnny Depp? O.o Elite-Nachos 21:37, October 28, 2009 (UTC)
Eight years later, and those rumors finally came true!