The Controversy Continues: Why Johnny Depp Was a Better Grindelwald

Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise was a controversial casting choice.

Still, there is no denying that he brought a unique depth to the character. In this article, we will explore why many fans believe Depp gave an outstanding performance as Grindelwald and why they think he was better than other actors who played the role.

Reviewing the fans’ opinions on Reddit, there is much support for Depp’s version of the character. After the contentious events in his personal life, he was replaced in the trilogy’s final film by Mads Mikkelsen.

However, many think that Depp ultimately brought more depth to the character in the role. Making Grindelwald’s replacement seem like a step-down.

One Redditor describes Depp’s version of the original dark wizard as demanding attention. Stating that “Whenever he entered on the screen, you felt perplexed by his presence”.

Such a detail concerning Depp’s interpretation of the role meant that you could not decide whether to like the character or hate him.

Yet he brought depth to the villain with cleverly delivered rhetoric of freedom and independence that helped you visualize how others may be so drawn to follow him.

By contrast, Mikkelsen’s version of Grindelwald was arguably simpler. He certainly looked the part but lacked the charisma to which you believed he was the evil wizard capable of stirring such an uprising.

In fact, the only negative point against Depp’s Grindelwald is his look. Unlike Mikkelsen, his version of the character had a villainous style about him.

He has a striking look, including heterochromia and unnaturally pale skin and hair. Some fans labelled his appearance as “cartoonish”.

Considering a large part of his character’s story involves once being Dumbledore’s lover, many fans question the believability of such a dignified wizard as Dumbledore falling in love with Depp’s quirky-looking Grindelwald.

Of course, Depp was not the only actor to be complimented for their version of Grindelwald. In the franchise’s first film, Colin Farrell played the character in disguise as Percival Graves; a secret revealed at the movie’s end.

However, he received praise from fans for his compelling presence as the character.

And some even contended if not for Jamie Campbell Bower (who first appeared as young Grindelwald briefly in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and then reprised his role as a cameo in Fantastic Beasts), he would have been the most consistent actor for the part.

Overall, there are positive aspects to each of the versions of Grindelwald that exist within the franchise. However, it must be said that Depp brought his famed charm and distinctiveness to the role.

Which fitted perfectly with Grindelwald’s evil yet alluring persona. It is not hard to understand why so many fans believe he was the best actor to play the role.