The title of the second Fantastic Beasts movie has been revealed, and many people are not having it. Fans are dissatisfied with the name of the film—Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald—since the prequel’s villain, the aforementioned Grindelwald, is played by none other than Johnny Depp. Earlier this year, Depp was in the hot seat for reportedly abusing his wife Amber Heard. While the couple settled their divorce over the summer, with Heard dropping all charges, the rest of the world is proving to be less forgiving.
Because the Fantastic Beasts franchise is connected to J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series, wizardly fans have a lot to say about how the legacy should continue. Naturally, people are skeptical about Depp’s personal life and reportedly abusive behavior, and many reactions show that the skepticism is following the actor into his role as Gellert Grindelwald. While some fans are excited to see the return of their favorite characters, others aren’t so thrilled.
So many abuse victims have turned to Harry Potter as a source of comfort and healing. The Crimes of Grindelwald shows how little the creators of this franchise care about its fandom, and I’m over it. #FantasticBeasts
— MONICA (@monicakwatson) November 16, 2017
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD is almost certainly the worst movie title ever, for so many reasons.
— Sean Stangland (@SeanStanglandDH) November 16, 2017
The Crimes of Grindelwald
Crime #1: Being Johnny Depp pic.twitter.com/02RBE9zpdS
— kaDAMN GIRL (@kadeengriffiths) November 16, 2017
The Crimes of Grindelwald is a pretty ballsy title for a film failing to address the problematic assault charges of its biggest star…like…way to lean in?
— Kerri Donnelly (@kdscripted) November 16, 2017
“Fantastic Beasts” and the crimes of Grindelwald, is that the name of Depp’s autobiography?
— Chris Summers (@Summersgod1992) November 16, 2017
dw guys I fixed the crimes of grindelwald line up #fantasticbeasts pic.twitter.com/d9s5SSsQZn
— adam where? (@adamlewisware) November 16, 2017
As controversial as the prequel’s title (or casting) may be, the buzz is not entirely negative.
—Can you hear my heartbeat?
—Because I can’t.#FantasticBeasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. pic.twitter.com/zR7vl2vx07— (@JHerondaleW) November 16, 2017
jude law as dumbledore is a blessing….. i cant wait to see his acting skills in fb: the crimes of grindelwald….. my body is ready to fall in love
— ciel loves hjp (@FeltcliffeArmy) November 16, 2017
The Crimes of Grindelwald is scheduled to hit theaters on Nov. 16, 2018. And it’s not likely that a casting change will be made within the next year. One thing’s for sure: If J.K. Rowling has anything to do with the film, it’s going to be a magical production.