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

It was revealed on Thursday, November 16th, that the newest installment of the Fantastic Beasts saga is ironically named The Crimes of Grindelwald. We use “ironic” because Johnny Depp, who plays the title Fantastic Beasts villain, Gellert Grindelwald, was accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife, Amber Heard in 2016.

Many fans are displeased with the fact that Depp remains cast in the series and that, judging by the title, the next film will most likely revolve around his character.

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

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

Here’s what many have to say:

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

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 casting choice.