Johnny Depp to earn full salary of USD 10 million despite exit from Warner Bros' 'Fantastic Beasts 3'?

Actor Johnny Depp may have exited the popular 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise but shall be compensated in full, or so say media reports. 

According to the latest media report in The Hollywood Reporter, actor Johnny Depp, who was 'asked to resign' from Warner Bros' 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise after he lost a libel battle against a publication which he had sued for calling him a 'wife-beater', will earn over $10 million despite his exit from the untitled third instalment of the five-film franchise in which he was going to reprise his role as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. 

The actor had reportedly filmed just one scene back in September, as the villainous wizard Grindelwald before the verdict on his libel case against the publication forced Warner Bros to sever ties with him.

As per the reports, a 'pay-or-play-contract was signed between the talent and the studio, which required that the actor be compensated in full even if the film is shelved or nor not made and even if the role is recast. Therefore, going by the terms, the studio would have to pay Depp in full even after his exit. 

Technically speaking, Depp was not fired by Warner Bros. but 'asked to resign'. So, it is unclear if the situation would have been different had Depp been fired. However, for now, the reports suggest that Depp will be paid over $10 million despite not being not of the film anymore. 

Earlier, on November 6, in a statement released on his official Instagram handle, actor Johnny Depp had said that he has been 'asked to resign' by Warner Bros from his 'role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts'. 

The actor added that he had 'agreed to that request', however, mentioning that 'the surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change his fight to tell the truth. He also mentioned that he 'plans to appeal'. 

Here's Depp's statement:

"In the light of recent event's, I would like to make the following short statement. 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 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. 

Thank you for reading."

Earlier this year, Depp, 57, best known as the swaggering Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, had sued a British tabloid that labelled him a "wife-beater" during his tempestuous relationship with his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard.

He, however, lost his libel battle with the British tabloid after a High Court judge ruled that the newspaper`s allegations were "substantially true".

Depp had told the court he was never violent towards his ex-wife and his lawyers described the ruling as "perverse as it is bewildering", and said it would be ridiculous for him not to appeal.