Johnny Depp will return as Grindelwald in “AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY”

In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through both the Marvel and Wizarding World fandoms, Johnny Depp is reportedly set to reprise his role as Gellert Grindelwald in the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release on May 1, 2026. The news, which broke during a chaotic week of Marvel announcements on March 28, 2025, following a five-hour livestream cast reveal, marks an unexpected crossover between two of the biggest franchises in entertainment history. Depp’s return as the dark wizard, last seen in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018, comes as part of a multiversal narrative spearheaded by Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, promising a collision of worlds that no one saw coming.

The announcement came amidst a flurry of updates from Marvel Studios, which confirmed a sprawling ensemble for Avengers: Doomsday, including the return of X-Men icons like Patrick Stewart’s Professor X and Ian McKellen’s Magneto, alongside the Fantastic Four cast led by Pedro Pascal. Yet, it was Depp’s name—tied to Grindelwald—that stole the spotlight, igniting speculation about how a Harry Potter villain fits into the MCU’s multiversal saga. Sources close to the production suggest that Grindelwald’s inclusion is tied to the film’s exploration of alternate realities, with Doctor Doom orchestrating a cosmic upheaval that pulls characters from disparate universes into Earth-616’s orbit. Depp, who was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore amid legal controversies in 2020, now finds himself back in a role that once defined his Wizarding World tenure.

Depp’s Grindelwald first appeared in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in 2016, disguised as Colin Farrell’s Percival Graves, before fully stepping into the spotlight in the 2018 sequel. His portrayal—charismatic, unhinged, and dripping with menace—left an indelible mark, despite his exit from the franchise following a high-profile defamation trial with ex-wife Amber Heard. Fans have long clamored for his return, and Avengers: Doomsday seems to be the unlikely vehicle delivering it. The actor’s recent resurgence, including a sold-out art collection in 2022 and his 2023 film Jeanne du Barry, has bolstered his Hollywood comeback, making this Marvel gig a crowning moment of redemption.

How Grindelwald fits into Avengers: Doomsday remains a mystery, but the film’s directors, Anthony and Joe Russo, are no strangers to weaving complex narratives. With Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom as the central antagonist—a stark pivot from his Iron Man legacy—the story is rumored to involve an “Incursion,” a multiversal event where realities collide. Grindelwald, a wizard obsessed with power and domination, could serve as a lieutenant to Doom, leveraging his magical prowess against Earth’s mightiest heroes. Alternatively, some speculate he might hail from a universe where the Wizarding World reigns supreme, clashing with the Avengers in a battle of magic versus might. The possibilities are endless, and Marvel’s tight-lipped approach only fuels the excitement.

The timing of Depp’s return couldn’t be more poetic. On March 27, 2025, Marvel’s livestream—clocking 275 million views—unveiled a cast that blends MCU staples like Sebastian Stan’s Winter Soldier with Fox-era X-Men and now a Wizarding World wildcard. Social media erupted, with fans on X posting theories about Grindelwald facing off against Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) or even teaming with Doom to unleash chaos. “Johnny Depp as Grindelwald in the MCU? This is the multiverse we deserve,” one user wrote, capturing the fervor. The move also reignites debates about Depp’s career trajectory, with supporters hailing it as a triumph over past controversies, while skeptics question the logistics of merging such distinct mythologies.

For the Russos, integrating Grindelwald is a bold gamble. Their track record with Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame proves they can juggle sprawling casts, but adding a character from a non-Marvel property is uncharted territory. Depp’s Grindelwald brings a unique flavor—his theatricality and dark charisma could contrast sharply with Downey’s calculated Doom, creating a dynamic villainous duo. Yet, it risks alienating purists who see the MCU as sacred ground. The film’s May 2026 release, following Fantastic Four: First Steps in 2025, suggests a buildup to this multiversal mashup, with Grindelwald’s role potentially teased in earlier projects.

Depp’s return also carries personal weight. A self-professed Harry Potter fan, he famously accepted the Grindelwald role without reading the script, driven by his love for the franchise. Now, at 61, he steps back into the wizard’s shoes under Marvel’s banner, a testament to his enduring appeal. Whether he’s conjuring spells against Captain America or scheming with Doom, his presence promises a spectacle. As Avengers: Doomsday approaches, the WWE chaos of March 28—where Roman Reigns and The Bloodline imploded—feels like a fitting metaphor for the cinematic explosion Depp’s Grindelwald could ignite. The multiverse just got a lot wilder, and fans are ready for the ride.