Mads Mikkelsen joined the Harry Potter universe with the third installment Fantastic Beasts prequel series, as the antagonist of the story Gellert Grindelwald, previously portrayed by Johnny Depp. His portrayal of the character sparked renewed interest among fans, with some even preferring his take on the role over Depp’s.
However, despite Mikkelsen bringing his considerable talent to the franchise, the film struggled at the box office, and with it being the last entry in the prequel series, the actor was left with one lingering question about his character, one that, it seems may never receive an answer.
Mads Mikkelsen on His Unanswered Question About Gellert Grindelwald
Mads Mikkelsen had a very compelling question about his character’s motivations, particularly regarding his disdain for Muggles, after he took on the role of Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he shared that he was curious to ask J.K. Rowling why Grindelwald harbors such deep hatred for non-magical people, to the point of wanting to subjugate all Muggles.
“I’d like him not just to be instantly demagogic,” Mikkelsen said as he explained his improvised backstory for Grindelwald’s animosity towards muggles, stating, “I’d love to hear her thoughts on it.”
My reason is that something happened to his entire family when he was a child that explains the hate he carries around — It’s a fantastic, detailed, complex universe [Rowling’s] created.
He further stated his wish to do “more than this one [film].” And, though J.K. Rowling had spoken to other actors about their characters, Mikkelsen did not get the opportunity, leaving his question unanswered.
Mads Mikkelsen Admitted Feeling Intimidated Taking Over Johnny Depp’s Role in Fantastic Beasts
Mads Mikkelsen took over the role of Gellert Grindelwald in the 2022 film The Secrets of Dumbledore after Johnny Depp stepped down from the franchise due to his highly publicized legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard.
Reflecting on replacing Depp in the movie, Mikkelsen said, “It was very intimidating,” while speaking highly of Depp’s performance, praising him as an exceptional actor and suggesting that Depp might return to the franchise in the future. He said, as per Deadline,
Obviously, well, now the course has changed—he won the suit, the court [case]—so let’s see if he comes back. He might. I’m a big fan of Johnny. I think he’s an amazing actor, I think he did a fantastic job.
He also shared that he did not “copy” Depp in his portrayal of Grindelwald, for which he received widespread acclaim. However, the likelihood of either actor returning to the role seems slim, especially given the uncertain future of the Fantastic Beasts prequel series.
There has been no official confirmation regarding Fantastic Beasts 4, and with the upcoming Harry Potter reboot series in the works, the future of the prequel series appears uncertain.
The reboot series, which is said to faithfully adapt the book series, will be led by the Succession alums, Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod, with The Menu director also directing multiple episodes and producing.
Fantastic Beasts film series is available to watch on Max.
