Following his requested resignation from the film, fans have begun to circulate a new petition calling on Warner Bros. to return Johnny Depp to the role of Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 3.
The petition, started by Depp fan and supporter Andriana Pavlidou, calls on “Warner Bros. [to] Bring Johnny Depp back as Gellert Grindelwald!!!” and notes that his departure as a result “of the verdict of his case with “The Sun” […] was completely unfair.”
“We want him back!” demands the petition. “Warner Bros. should listen to the public or we will boycott the movie!!!”
Related: ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Star Jude Law Says Johnny Depp’s Sudden Resignation “Was Unusual”
Warner Bros. announced on November 25th that Depp would be replaced in the role by Death Stranding, Hannibal, and Rogue One star Mads Mikkelsen.
Despite many fans finding Mikkelsen to be a suitable actor for the role, the act of replacing Depp was met with calls to boycott both Fantastic Beasts 3 and Warner Bros. Studios all together.
Further voicing their support for Depp, some fans explained their reasons for signing the petition, with nearly every fan declaring that Warner Bros. decision was a travesty.
“I’ve seen the first 2 Fantastic Beasts and will not watch the third,” stated signee Sherry Dennis. “Because Warner Brothers doesn’t care that an innocent man has been falsely accused of a crime and has the evidence to prove his innocence.”
Related: Death Stranding Star Mads Mikkelsen To Officially Replace Johnny Depp in ‘Fantastic Beasts’
One signatory, going by the name Rob erto, declared that Warner Bros.’ replacement of Depp with Mikkelsen was “an injustice” and “an awful decision”, asserting “Depp was not an abuser but a victim.”
“This is why men are too afraid to come forward, for fear of not being believed due to biases in the legal system which does not protect male victims of domestic violence,” he added. “Glad he’s still going to appeal and fight for the truth and hopefully get the vindication he deserves.”
“Johnny Depp is a domestic abuse survivor,” bluntly wrote Corrie Watterson. “And an amazing actor. Rehire.”
Shortly after starting the petition, Pavlidou took notice of the Animaniacs reboot’s now infamous and unfortunately timed Johnny Depp ‘telling lies’ joke, and in response, updated the intent of the petition from one demanding Depp be rehired to one of general support for the actor.
“Today Warner Brothers signed their death sentence by mocking Johnny Depp in the cartoon “The Animaniacs,” said Pavlidou. “This is not about business anymore. This is a personal attack to him and to us.”
She further called on her fellow Depp supporters to “Forget about the movie. Forget about the franchise. Sign this to show your support to him and only him! Boycott Warner Bros! Let’s show to them that we have teeth and we can bite too!”
As of writing, nearly 237,000 have signed their names in support of Depp’s return, just short of the petition’s desired goal of 300,00 signatures.
Will you be signing the petition? Share your thoughts on social media or in the comments down below.