Warner Bros Studios, the banner behind "Fantastic Beasts" film franchise, has confirmed that Danish star Mads Mikkelsen has been cast as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the third installment of its fantasy movie series. The news comes less than a week after Mikkelsen responded to reports of his casting saying, "that is on the rumour basis".

On Wednesday, Warner Bros confirmed Deadline's scoop from earlier this month about the actor, known for films "Casino Royale" and "Doctor Strange", stepping in for Depp, who had played the role in the first two installments but exited after losing a major libel suit in the UK.