Johnny Depp leaves “Fantastic Beasts” film franchise

Johnny Depp has left the Fantastic Beasts film franchise, days after losing a libel case over a newspaper article which called him a wife beater.

In a letter to fans, Depp said he had been “asked to resign” from his role as Gellert Grindelwald and had “respected that and agreed to that request”.

He called the libel judgement “surreal” and confirmed his plans to appeal.

Film studio Warner Bros confirmed Depp’s departure and said his role would be recast.

“We thank Johnny for his work on the films to date,” it said in a statement. (BBC)