Mads Mikkelsen is no stranger to playing villains, but he'll be taking on one of his most complex yet in Fantastic Beasts 3. In that movie, which is currently shooting in the UK, the Doctor Strange and Rogue One star will take over the role of Gellert Grindelwald from Johnny Depp.
Depp didn't exactly blow fans and critics away with his performance, but his take on the character was unique enough that it's got everyone wondering what Mikkelsen has planned.
During a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor elaborated on how his work will both differ from and respect what's come before. "Well it's going to be me, so that's a difference," he started.
"No, this is the tricky part. We're still working it out. There has to be a bridge between what Johnny did and what I'm going to do. And at the same time, I also have to make it my own. But also we have to find a few links [to the previous version of the character] and some bridges so it doesn't completely detach from what he's already masterfully achieved."
With any luck, Mikkelsen playing Grindelwald will succeed in making the villain feel like the formidable dark wizard we've heard so much about over the years. Depp, on the other hand, delivered one of his typical, campy performances, so it's no wonder fans were desperate for Colin Farrell to return after the sequel!
Fantastic Beasts 3 is currently set to be released on July 15th, 2022.