Johnny Depps inclusion in the cast of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them has caused much controversy ever since he popped up in the closing moments of the first film.
This came just months after allegations of domestic abuse made against him by his ex-wife Amber Heard, allegations Depp has denied.
But producer David Heyman is 100% behind the casting.
Heyman has called Depp, who plays villain Gellert Grindelwald, extraordinary ahead of the release of sequel Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald.
Speaking to Yahoo Movies, he said: We wanted someone who was extraordinary, who was a little bit off centre, who had the charisma and the power to [match up to] the wonderful adversary [we had with] Ralph Fiennes.
Voldemort was someone who was pure — you know, he knew no love, and he only knew hate. Grindelwald is a different beast. Theres something about Grindelwald — hes a seducer — and he has no problem wielding his wand, as it were.
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In the Potter spin-off sequel, Grindelwald – Albus Dumbledores adversary – escapes from Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) in an effort to gain followers to secure pure-blood wizarding rule over Muggles.
While Depps casting in the magical franchise has angered many Potter fans, JK Rowling and Warner Bros have stood by the 55-year-old actor.
Director David Yates previously said: Honestly, theres an issue at the moment where theres a lot of people being accused of things, theyre being accused by multiple victims, and its compelling and frightening.
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With Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: Hes full of decency and kindness, and thats all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesnt tally with the kind of human being Ive been working with.
By testament, some of the women in [Depps] life have said the same thing — “thats not the human being we know”. Its very different [than cases] where there are multiple accusers over many years that need to be examined and we need to reflect on our industry that allows that to roll on year in and year out. Johnny isnt in that category in any shape or form.
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The Crimes of Grindelwald also stars Jude Law as Dumbledore and Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, and is set for release on 16 November.
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