This combo photo shows Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen (left) and American actor Johnny Depp. (PHOTOS / AFP)

LOS ANGELES - Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen has been chosen to replace Johnny Depp in the upcoming third film in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, Warner Bros said on Wednesday.

Mikkelsen, 55, who is known for his role as serial killer Hannibal Lecter in the US television series Hannibal, will play the evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald in the spinoff movie from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

Johnny Depp was forced to exit the role earlier this month after losing a libel case in Britain against a tabloid newspaper that branded him a "wife beater"

Depp was forced to exit the role earlier this month after losing a libel case in Britain against a tabloid newspaper that branded him a “wife beater.” The three-week trial in July heard evidence from Depp and his former wife Amber Heard about a tempestuous marriage marked by violence on both sides and of heavy drinking by Depp.

Depp, who had earlier begun production on the third Fantastic Beasts movie in London, said he was asked to leave by Warner Bros.

READ MORE: Depp leaves 'Fantastic Beasts' after losing 'wife beater' case

Mikkelsen also played roles in action movies Doctor Strange and Casino Royale, as well as taking roles in Danish dramas such as The Hunnt and A Royal Affair.

The Fantastic Beasts movies, based on the magical adventures of Newt Scamander, are set some 60 years before the Harry Potter films but feature several of the same key characters when they were younger.

The third as yet untitled movie in the series is set for release in July 2022.

READ MORE: 'Fantastic Beasts' flies to top of weekend box office

The first two of the five planned Fantastic Beasts films earned US$1.5 billion at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo.