J.K. Rowling defends Johnny Depp casting choice

J.K. Rowling (left) and actor Johnny Depp. (Reuters)

Johnny Depp was all smiles on the red carpet of the Classic Rock Roll of Honor awards in Japan as he prepares to join the "Harry Potter" world in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."

The 53-year-old actor appeared to ignore the troubles surrounding his casting in the "Harry Potter" universe as dark wizard Gellert Grindlewald as he posed alongside Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry at the Tokyo event.

Johnny, who is also a guitarist in rock group Hollywood Vampires, saluted to the cameras as he joined his friends at the event.

Meanwhile, over in New York, author J.K. Rowling was forced to defend the choice of casting of Johnny after he was accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, Amber Heard.

The "Harry Potter" author, real name Joanne, said that she was “delighted” at the choice of actor for the role and gushed that he had done “incredible things” with the character.

Director David Yates also jumped to the defense of the actor and told The Mirror: “You have to trust us and see what he does in this movie.”

The director added that while we won’t see much of the star in this movie, he will become a more significant role in the four movies that will follow the upcoming films release.

He added: “What you have to remember about Johnny is that extraordinary talent and that talent never goes away.”

Johnny’s casting in the film comes after Amber, 30, accused him of abusing her throughout their four-year relationship.

Fans have slammed J.K. and the production team for the decision in the wake of the scandal.

Click here for the full report in The Sun.