Its been two years sinceJohnny Deppsurprised audiences by appearing near the end ofFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Yet the casting of the three-time Oscar nominee drew mixed reactions from fans.
Depp denied the allegations.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Depp has never given an interview about the role until now.
I was very curious how this guy was gonna be on set, one costar said.
It was right in the middle of,you know…
Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.
I only observed him just being totally sweet and professional.
This is a highly unusual situation for a blockbuster Hollywood title.
Its best-known actor, playing the title character, apparently gives a scene-stealing performance.
Yet hes also undeniably a lightning rod for controversy.
Below, Depp spoke by phone with EW to discuss creating his character.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Lets go back to the beginning, before the first film.
The books were superb.
And you pick it up in one fell swoop in the first book and first film.
Its good literature and great writing in its own right.
It ticks all the boxes.
Richard Griffiths (Vernon Dursley) was a great friend, rest his soul.
So I was pretty familiar with them and hugely impressed.
Did you meet with Rowling initially?We met by Skype.
We had a very long conversation.
We got together again when I arrived in London for fittings.
From the first second its been an absolute treat and the most positive and fun experience.
A lot of fun.
What initially drew you to playing Gellert Grindelwald?I found the character fascinating and complex.
You come in in mid-thought and then its a very confusing ride.
In the first film, Colin Farrell played Grindelwald, disguised as Percival Graves.
Did his performance influence things at all?It does, and then it doesnt.
As Grindelwald [was pretending to be] Graves, his responsibility is to portray Graves.
Youre known for having a hand in creating your characters.
The beauty of J.K. and of Yates is they put trust in me to a degree.
It was beautifully left as this open gift.
I always follow it.
Something happening by chance.
To me, thats always the most satisfying mistakes or accidents.
Does that have a backstory, is that just creepy?Its a character choice.
I saw Grindelwald as more than one, if you know what I mean.
I almost felt like hes maybe two people.
Hes twins in one body.
So a gamey eye is more like the other side of him.
Sort of like a brain for each eye, an albino twin, and hes somewhere in the middle.
Based on some things your castmates have said, some fans will make Donald Trump comparisons.
Is that fair?I dont see Donald Trump comparisons at all.
To me, theres something almost childlike in [Grindelwald].
His dream is for the wizard world to stand tall and above.
I do believe Grindelwald is an oddly likable character.
What does Grindelwald think of Dumbledore at this point?I think hes just waiting.
Hes looking forward to [their inevitable showdown].
I think theres probably a lot of residue left over from days gone by.
They quite bonded, you know?
It makes the situation with Dumbledore all the more intense.
I think theres a jealousy with Scamander.
He sees Scamander as Dumbledores protege his boy, in a way.
Another controversy surrounded your participation in the film.
The director, studio, and Rowling issued statements of support.
I felt bad that she had to take that.
But ultimately, there is real controversy.
J.K. has seen the evidence and therefore knows I was falsely accused, and thats why she haspublicly supportedme.
She doesnt take things lightly.
She would not stand up if she didnt know the truth.
So thats really it.
[Note: Depps attorney has claimed evidence will be presented during court proceedings inThe Sundefamation case next month.
Anything else you want fans to know?A couple of things.
I feel like the main thing as an actor is your loyalty.
Its my job to enforce the authors vision and also be true to the directors vision.
And then theres being true to my vision.
Its a major responsibility, being handed the keys to this car.
I went full tilt and headfirst into the character knowing the responsibility that I had.
The Potter fans are like scholars of this stuff which I find incredibly impressive.
They know that world inside and out.
I hope to give them something they havent seen before.
For more onFantastic Beasts, pick up the new issue ofEntertainment Weeklyon stands Friday, orbuy it here now.
