The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise reportedly lost its leading man, Johnny Depp, last year following the high court case between the actor, his ex-wife Amber Heard, and a British newspaper. Depp has apparently been pushed out of the long-running multi-billion dollar franchise by Disney – although it has not been officially confirmed just yet. Since then, the 57-year-old announced that he had been asked to resign from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, bringing his journey in another long-running series to an end.
It has now been revealed that long before his exit from both of these series, he almost lost his spot in Murder on the Orient Express, where he played the character of Ratchett.
The 2017 blockbuster starred Kenneth Branagh as legendary detective Hercule Poirot.
Branagh also directed the film, and, according to a new report from Business Insider, simply wouldn’t stand for Depp’s apparent “partying” and “lateness” on set.
The report in question explained that, during a troubled period of Depp’s life, he was scolded by Branagh during the shoot.
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The report’s source claimed: “Later on [Depp] started being late for things. Shoots, interviews. He never hid his partying.
“But he finally hit the wall on Murder on the Orient Express. Right when rehearsals began, in 2017.”
The source explained that Branagh told Depp he ought to exit the film if he couldn’t adhere to the rules.
They continued: “He walked in late the first day and Ken Branagh, who directed, very calmly said: ‘That’s not the way I work. I don’t allow lateness. If you choose that behaviour, you can leave the film. Right now. It’s fine.’”
Depp announced his exit from Fantastic Beasts by posting on his Instagram account.
He wrote: “In light of recent events, 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 U.K. 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.”
Now, the star has been dropped from both of his large series, and is reportedly looking at changing how his career is focused.
According to reports earlier this week, Depp has apparently started looking at working on smaller budget films going forward.
Depp has worked on some smaller movies over the years, but his larger, franchised movies have understandably taken up the most of his time.
READ THE ORIGINAL REPORT HERE
