Casino Royale actor Mads Mikkelsen is reportedly in talks to replace Johnny Depp in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

Depp, 57, stepped down from his role of Gellert Grindelwald in the Harry Potter prequels last week after losing a libel case where he was fighting accusations of being a wife-beater.

At the time, Warner Bros outlined plans to recast Depp's part and according to Variety, 54-year-old Mikkelsen - also known for Hannibal and Doctor Strange - is now in "early talks" about replacing him in the third film, which is currently being filmed in the UK.

The publication says that Depp had only completed work on one scene before he quit the franchise so the knock-on effect of his departure is limited, although as the film is currently in production the replacement needs to be hired and begin working soon.

Fantastic Beasts 3 is due for release on July 15, 2022.