Warner Bros.’ Decision To Cut Ties With Johnny Depp Is 'Fait Accompli,' Report Says

Warner Bros. did not have a hard time deciding on whether Johnny Depp should stay in the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise or not after he lost his libel case against the British tabloid The Sun.

The studio's film chief Toby Emmerich decided a couple of days ago to recast Depp's character as dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the five-film franchise. The decision was made after the U.K. judge dismissed Depp's defamation lawsuit against The Sun after calling him a "wife-beater" in one of its reports, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Warner Bros. wanted to allow the due process to take its course before deciding Depp's future in the franchise, sources told THR. Judge Andrew Nicol ruled that the tabloid's report was "substantially true" after concluding that Depp hurt his ex-wife Amber Heard in 12 out of 14 instances.

Nicol's ruling painted Depp as an abuser and Emmerich's decision was a "fait accompli," according to the report. The studio decided to recast the role midway through the franchise.

Despite what happened, Warner Bros. will still need to pay Depp his full salary even if he only shot one scene. The "Pirates of the Caribbean" star is under a "pay-or-play" contract that requires him to be fully compensated whether or not the film is made and even if his role is recast. The arrangement is common among big stars with Depp's caliber.

In Depp’s post on Instagram, he made it clear that he wasn’t fired. He said the studio asked him to resign instead.

"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," he wrote.

Depp also thanked his fans for their unwavering support despite losing his libel case. He also assured them that he would continue his fight and would appeal the case.

"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," he added.

"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.”

Following Depp's exit from the franchise, many ordered Warner Bros. to also fire Heard from the "Aquaman" franchise. Several also said they won't watch the "Fantastic Beasts" movies without Depp.