Earlier this week, Johnny Depp was confirmed as being cast in the sequel to Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
It’s a good end to the year for Depp who started out this year getting no awards love for his performance as Whitey Bulger in Black Mass and then underwent a very acrimonious split from his ex-wife Amber Heard.
It’s the fall-out from his break-up with Heard — which included allegations of domestic violence — that has led to unhappiness among Hogwarts fans. (Heard appeared in court with injuries to her face but reportedly decided against pressing charges against Johnny Depp over the alleged abuse that she suffered at his hands, which he repeatedly denied.)
That’s not good enough for fans of Hogwarts, who still have a fortnight to go before the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them which re-locates the wizardry to 1920s New York and stars Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell.
Mindful of Harry Potter creator JK Rowling’s record on anti-bullying and calling out misogynists, fans have stepped up their opposition to the casting by urging a boycott of the film before it’s even certain who Depp will play in the movie. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2 will be released in two years time, with Depp rumored to be assuming the role of Gellert Grindelwald, the wizard who befriends and then betrays Dumbledore.
@jk_rowling Can’t you do anything about #JohnnyDepp being in #FantasticBeasts ?? We don’t want it. Your fans don’t want it. #fuckjohnnydepp
— Leanna Renee (@leannuh_renay) November 2, 2016
Well time to boycott Fantastic Beasts, disappointed that an abuser has been welcomed into the community
— katie (@floatingpresent) November 2, 2016
I am a die-hard Harry Potter fan, but I will boycott a movie with Johnny Depp anyday. So disappointed. #FantasticBeasts @jk_rowling
— Lizbeth (@Lizzybethany) November 2, 2016
Boycott Johnny Depp, teach Hollywood a lesson. Abuse must not be tolerated. I hope the film flops.
— Samityvilleو (@SamAmbreen_) November 2, 2016
We teach others how to treat us. Sometimes w/our words, other times, w/our wallets. @AlwaysJKRowling, I’ll boycott any Potter film w/Depp.
— mer (@Theremina) November 2, 2016
So is Johnny Depp definitely in #FantasticBeasts? If so, morally, I have no other choice but to boycott those films now, which is a shame.
— Rebecca Wyman (@whyyyman) November 2, 2016
Johnny Depp needs to go. An abuser who’s been destroying fantasy / adventure / kids films for 10 years now. #boycott
— Emma🌿 (@emma_e_carlsson) November 2, 2016
Fans say this is just the beginning:
Can someone please make a petition so we can stop this before it’s too late? #grindelwald #FantasticBeasts #JohnnyDepp #HarryPotter
— Yulia W (@Yuwi94) November 2, 2016