Washington: For the 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise, actor Johnny Depp is no longer going to play the evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald, the actor said on Friday (local time). According to the reports, Depp's departure from the spinoff of the 'Harry Potter' series comes days after he lost his libel case against The Sun, a British newspaper that published an article in 2018 claiming that he was a "wife beater." The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor took to Instagram and posted a comment in this regard, announcing that Warner Bros was asked to "resign" from the' Fantastic Beats ' “I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in ‘Fantastic Beasts’ and I have respected and agreed to that request,” his statement on Instagram read. He also went on to thank his fans for their “support and loyalty” during the testing times. “I’d like to thank everybody who has gifted me with their support and loyalty. I have been humbled and moved by your many messages of love and concern, particularly over the last few days,” he said.

The 57-year-old actor then went on to express how his “resolve” remains unshaken even after the “surreal judgement,” and said that his “life and career” will not be defined by the present moment. “The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal. My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false. My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time,” he wrote. Warner Bros Studios also confirmed Depp's departure and announced that before the third instalment opens in theatres, they will cast a new actor for his role. "Johnny Depp will leave the franchise for 'Fantastic Beasts.' For his work on the films to date, we thank Johnny," Variety quoted a spokesman for Warner Bros. as saying. The spokesperson added, "'Fantastic Beasts 3' is currently in production and the role of Gellert Grindelwald will be recast."

Fans took to their social media accounts to share their disappointment after his post.

Repeat after me, Johnny Depp is grindelwald.#JusticeForJohnnyDepp https://t.co/maXtMPJkJg

— #JusticeForJohnnyDepp // Wyoming Diaz (@WyomingDiaz) 1604709586000

standing with you, brother. #JusticeForJohnnyDepp

— michael malarkey (@mkmalarkey) 1604720153000

No Johnny no PiratesNo Johnny no Fantastic Beasts#JusticeForJohnnyDepp https://t.co/GT1UXOEeij

— Johnny Depp Love (@JohnnyDeppLoveo) 1604714595000

No one can replace Johnny Depp as Grindlewald. There I said it. #JusticeForJohnnyDepp

— �� �������� ���� ���� �� �������������������� ⁷�� (@jungkookerist) 1604708854000

Johnny depp cant be replaced #JusticeForJohnnyDepp https://t.co/KXcDhrnyOv

— Chanyeol best boy (@_mialoststar) 1604727279000

The release of the upcoming installment, scheduled for November 2021, was also pushed back by the studio. It will be released in the summer of 2022.