Interviewed by a fansite called 'The Leaky Cauldron,' director David Yates made the revelation to quash all rumors and speculations on what Depp's role would be in "Fantastic Beasts Beasts and Where to Find Them."

When word broke out that Johnny Depp is in the cast of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," speculation started going around which character Depp is going to play. Yates ended all speculation by announcing it himself that the actor will play Gellert Grindelwald.

Since the news broke, many are asking why they picked Depp for the role of Grindelwald in "Fantastic Beasts," wherein Yates said that they are going for the best actor, the most inspired, interesting, and the right fit for the character. Adding that they thought of who would take the role to an interesting direction, according to The Leaky Cauldron.

In the same interview, Yates called Depp a real artist who created characters that resonated in popular culture, and he followed this with a lot of accolades in praise of the actor. In a nutshell, they were going for someone fun and special.

Furthermore, Yates also confirmed aside from Depp playing Grindelwald, the appearance of a younger Albus Dumbledore in the series, particularly in the sequel of the first "Fantastic Beasts." Casting for the Dumbledore role is underway. Dumbledore's appearance is forthcoming since Yates said there would be scenes in the sequel where he would interact with Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne.

Though it is now confirmed that Gellert Grindelwald, as played by Depp, will appear in a cameo in the first "Fantastic Beasts." Grindelwald is one of the most iconic characters in the Harry Potter universe and will figure heavily in the sequel of the movie. We expect to see Grindelwald at the height of his dark power wreaking havoc and terror using the Elder Wand.

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Topics Johnny Depp, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them