When it was revealed Johnny Depp would be returning to the 'Fantastic Beasts' movie series in next year's big screen instalment, his fans were excited to see him take on the role of the titular character, Gellert Grindelwald. A vocal portion of potential viewers however were disappointed to see him take the job, after accusations back in 2016 from his ex-wife Amber Heard, who claimed Depp had been physically abusive to her during their relationship.

David Yates will direct 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald'David Yates will direct 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald'

In August, 2016, the couple's divorce was settled and the domestic abuse case Heard had against Depp was resolved, with a joint statement released by the actors saying that the relationship was "intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love". It continued that "there was never an intent of physical or emotional harm", adding that "neither party has made false accusations for financial gains."

In short, it seemed that Depp MAY have been violent, but Heard agreed to believe he never meant anything that had taken place, and vice versa. We'll likely never know the full extent of the true story.

Now, the director for 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald', David Yates has spoken out about Depp's casting, and defended the actor from Heard's previous accusations.

Johnny Depp will take the titular role in the filmJohnny Depp will take the titular role in the film

Speaking with EW, the director responded to criticism and said: "Honestly, there’s an issue at the moment where there’s a lot of people being accused of things, they’re being accused by multiple victims, and it’s compelling and frightening. With Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesn’t tally with the kind of human being I’ve been working with."

The implication here that Yates does not believe the accusations from Depp's ex-wife will leave a sour taste in the mouths of many who were already put off by the decision to have him leading the upcoming film. Whilst the statement "innocent until proven guilty" is one the majority of people like to go by, it should work both ways. The accuser shouldn't immediately be painted as a liar until proven to be one.

Depp has in the past been through a volatile relationship with Kate Moss, and been arrested for assaulting a member of security in Vancouver (1989), as well as getting into a fight with a member of the paparazzi outside a restaurant in 1999. He's also been in trouble for trashing a hotel room in which Moss was in, back in 1994. None of these incidents were mentioned by Yates, but he did go on to say that many of Depp's other exes claimed they hadn't seen an abusive side to the actor following Heard's accusations.

Whatever the case may be in Depp's private life and history, the fact stands that he will be returning to the 'Fantastic Beasts' series, with his villainous character even getting a mention in the second film's title. When box office numbers hit upon release, we'll see truly whether or not the actor's casting has had an adverse effect on the franchise.

More: JK Rowling Clears Up Every Single "Plot Hole" From 'Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them'

'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindlewald' is released on November 16, 2018.