Mads Mikkelsen Says FANTASTIC BEASTS Casting News Is Only a Rumor for Now

Last week, we reported that actor Mads Mikkelsen was rumored to be taking over the role of Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts film franchise that was just abdicated by Johnny Depp. It was reported that the film series director David Yates picked Mikkelsen as his choice for the replacement, though nothing was set in stone at the time.

Apparently, things are still not set as Mikkelsen was asked about the status of the role in a recent interview with IGN. He responded:

"Oh, that is on the rumor basis as we speak. So I know as much as you do from the newspapers. So I'm waiting for that phone call."

So either he can’t say anything until the deal is sealed, or the report was really leaked before the studio reached out with the offer. Either way, it looks like we will just have to wait and see. Fans are responding pretty positively with the sentiment that if it can’t be Depp in the role, Mikkelsen is a pretty good replacement.

Are you hoping to see him take over as the villain in the Fantastic Beasts franchise?