One of the big news stories of last week was Johnny Depp joining the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them sequel, and now comes an update on just what role Depp will have in the movie.

Harry Potter fansite The Leaky Couldron is reporting that the Pirates of the Caribbean actor will be playing Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. In Potter lore, Grindelwald is a dark wizard who was once a pal and lover of Albus Dumbledore before a major falling out between the pair saw an almighty battle commence. By many, Grindelwald is called the Hitler of the Potter world. Pretty nasty fella then, right?

On Depp’s casting, director David Yates said, “The whole principle of casting the movie was go with the best actor. Go for the most inspired, interesting, right fit for that character. And as we approached Grindelwald we thought, ‘Who’s going to take this in an interesting direction?’ In this business, it’s a weird old business. You’re brilliant one week, people are saying odd things the next, you go up and down. But no one takes away your pure talent. Johnny Depp is a real artist. He’s created several characters who have really resonated in our popular culture. He’s a really brilliant, brilliant actor. We were excited about seeing what he would do with this guy, the character. He’s fearless. He’s imaginative. He’s ambitious. We thought he would do something fun and special. So we went for him, purely on that selfish basis. We don’t care if he’s famous or not famous. We just know he’s interesting.”

Obviously we’ll have a far greater idea of what to expect from the Fantastic Beasts sequel once Yates’ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits UK cinemas on November 18th. The franchise has already been confirmed as a five-picture series, so expect Johnny Depp to have a major role to play as the movies progress. Interestingly, there are also certain rumours that suggests Depp’s Grindelwald will have a presence in this month’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them…