opinion
Fans of the Harry Potter universe were left aghast at the appearance of Johnny Depp, in character as Gellert Grindelwald, at the annual Comic-Con convention in San Diego.
Johnny Depp makes surprise appearance at same Comic-Con panel as Amber Heard and fans arent happy
Depp was there to promote the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the second instalment of J.K Rowlings new book series.
Fans were outraged as Depp appeared on the same panel as his former wife, Amber Heard, who accused Depp of violent behaviour in 2016 and was due to promote her involvement in Aquaman.
Its the latest controversy in a bumpy promotional road for the film, which has been spent defending the problematic casting of Depp and the decision by director David Yates to not explicitly mention the sexuality of Albus Dumbledore, played by Jude Law.
Advertisement
Advertisement
But will Fantastic Beasts pay the price for not listening to its audience?
Once a Hollywood giant, Depps casting made sense back in late 2015, when the film was being shot.
However, by November 2016 his reveal at the end of the first film, as the true identity of a character played by Colin Farrell, left a lot of audience members wincing – especially given the allegations of assault that had emerged in the months between the film wrapping and being released.
Bad timing is one thing, but the sequel, which presumably centers around Grindlewald, has led to Yates and Rowling, who is the films screenwriter, to answer some awkward questions.
Rowling stood by the casting, pointing to Depp and Heards joint statement following their 2016 court settlement, which expressed a desire to move on.
Yates was less delicate, stating in an interview that it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: Hes full of decency and kindness, and thats all I see.
While no doubt sincere remarks, the dismissal of public concern in the light of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, this shows a remarkable flippancy.
For Fantastic Beasts to ignore the concern of its fans and openly defend the casting is an odd move, leaving questions as to how many people may be put off on seeing the film as a result.
Equally troubling is the attitude towards the portrayal of Albus Dumbledores sexuality. In the past, Rowling has expressed that the character is gay, and at one point in love with Grindelwald.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Though its been implied this may be revealed in later films, fans have seen the decision to not include the information as a move to appeal to more conservative audiences.
These frictions between fans and filmmakers happen frequently in the Hollywood industry, but the disconnect seems particularly troubling for the Harry Potter universe.
More: Harry Potter
It is in itself a brand, a treasured mythology with the love of its fans at the very core. The books and movies have brought great success to platforms like Pottermore, inspired plays and tourist destinations, and created communities of like-minded people.
These people join fandoms because they feel like they belong.
The magical world that Rowling has created, started with a boy who felt like an outcast and who was drawn into a world that was special.
While sticking to their guns might make financial sense, there will be many fans who will feel excluded from this new chapter of the world they love so much.
For now, the makers of Fantastic Beasts and the fans seem to have come out on different sides.
For better or for worse, fan power rules in Hollywood (just ask the makers of Star Wars), and making some fans feel unwelcome before the film is even released could very well result in a less than magical box office return.
Advertisement
MORE: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald gets dazzling new trailer at Comic-Con
MORE: Lord Of The Rings star Ian McKellen has slammed Fantastic Beasts for burying Dumbledores sexuality
MORE: Daniel Radcliffe addresses controversy surrounding Johnny Depps Fantastic Beasts casting
Advertisement
Advertisement
