Days after Johnny Depp resigned from Fantastic Beasts 3, Warner Bros. is eyeing his replacement.

According to DeadlineDoctor Strange's Mads Mikkelsen is in talks to take over the role Gellert Grindelwald from Depp, who appeared in both Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Sources say he is director David Yates' top pick for the part.

RELATED: The Batman's Filming Schedule Dashes Hopes for a Fantastic Beasts Return

Depp left the film a few days ago after Warner Bros. asked him to step down from the role. "In light of recent events, I would like to make the following short statement," Depp wrote on Instagram. "Firstly, 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. Secondly, 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. Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgment of the court in the U.K. 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. Thank you for reading."

Depp has been dealing with several lawsuits over the last two years. He lost his libel trial against the Rupert Murdoch-owned British newspaper, The Sun, after it published claims by his ex-wife Amber Heard that he was physically abusive towards her during their short marriage. A separate libel trial is set to begin later this year. Depp is suing Heard for $50 million over a piece she wrote in The Washington Post, where she discusses her allegations of abuse against Depp. It is unclear if the British ruling will have any impact on the American case.

RELATED: JK Rowling Reportedly Did Not Argue With Johnny Depp's Fantastic Beasts Firing

Depp's departure led to a delay for the film's release. Originally scheduled to debut on Nov. 12, 2021, Fantastic Beasts 3 will now premiere on July 15, 2022. The movie will take place several years after The Crimes of Grindelwald and will be partly set in Brazil.

Directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves, Fantastic Beasts 3 stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller and Jude Law. The film arrives in theaters July 15, 2022.

KEEP READING: Fantastic Beasts 3: Johnny Depp to Receive Full Salary Despite Exiting Film

Source: Deadline