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Culture > Entertainment

Fans Are Not Happy About the Title of the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Sequel, & It’s All Johnny Depp’s Fault

Courtney Martere

The title of the second Fantastic Beasts movie has been revealed, and many people are not having it. Fans are dissatisfied with the name of the film—Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald—since the prequel’s villain, the aforementioned Grindelwald, is played by none other than Johnny Depp. Earlier this year, Depp was in the hot seat for reportedly abusing his wife Amber Heard. While the couple settled their divorce over the summer, with Heard dropping all charges, the rest of the world is proving to be less forgiving. 

Because the Fantastic Beasts franchise is connected to J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series, wizardly fans have a lot to say about how the legacy should continue. Naturally, people are skeptical about Depp’s personal life and reportedly abusive behavior, and many reactions show that the skepticism is following the actor into his role as Gellert Grindelwald. While some fans are excited to see the return of their favorite characters, others aren’t so thrilled.

As controversial as the prequel’s title (or casting) may be, the buzz is not entirely negative. 

The Crimes of Grindelwald is scheduled to hit theaters on Nov. 16, 2018. And it’s not likely that a casting change will be made within the next year. One thing’s for sure: If J.K. Rowling has anything to do with the film, it’s going to be a magical production. 

Courtney is a Pop Culture Blogger for Her Campus National and contributor to the Her Campus Marist College chapter. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communications, is an avid feminist and eventual professional journalist.