The recent release of 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' has ignited discussions about whether choosing Mads Mikkelsen over Johnny Depp as Grindelwald was a success or a misstep.
While many have applauded Mikkelsen's performance, I hold the contrary view that parting ways with the star of 'The Ninth Gate' was a mistake.
Mikkelsen is no stranger to playing the villain in Hollywood blockbusters, thanks to his distinctive features. However, upon closer inspection, he often ends up portraying generic evil characters. This trend, unfortunately, persists in 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.'
Mikkelsen vs. Depp
It comes as no surprise that Mikkelsen opts for a more subdued interpretation of Grindelwald compared to Depp. Yet, this change is significant without any in-film justification. In 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,' the character exhibited more expressiveness without succumbing to the excesses associated with Depp's Jack Sparrow.
Grindelwald's evil in the second installment was nuanced, combining restraint with moments of animated villainy. This duality was a highlight, setting the stage for a promising antagonist who could rival Voldemort. While Voldemort successfully embodied pure evil, a bit more variety in character portrayal is always appreciated.
Moreover, 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald' hinted at a more unrestrained character as his power increased within the magical community. However, 'The Secrets of Dumbledore' takes a different approach, attempting to connect him with the idea of a fascist leader who uses populism to gain power.
As a result, Grindelwald in 'The Secrets of Dumbledore' becomes a perpetual promise of impending greatness that never materializes, both in individual relationships — it's hard to believe he gives Ezra Miller's character repeated chances despite repeated failures — and in his aspiration to control the world.
This renders his attempts to command respect and fear with his presence less impactful. While it's acknowledged that 'The Secrets of Dumbledore' is a transitional adventure, the fact remains that 'The Crimes of Grindelwald' merely scratched the surface of the character, unveiling him after the revelation in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' where Colin Farrell delivered a convincing performance until the truth emerged.
In this context, Mikkelsen's Grindelwald falls into the category of just another villain, losing the distinctive qualities that made Depp's version intriguing. While I understand that some did not resonate with Depp's interpretation — and acknowledge Mikkelsen's desire to avoid replicating Depp's portrayal — at least Depp presented something different and nuanced. In contrast, the star of 'Another Round' attempts to infuse realism into a character demanding much more in the magical universe, which is, after all, the quintessential realm of cinema magic.
