Johnny Depp fans have jumped to the actor's defense after he was asked to step down from his role in Fantastic Beasts after losing his libel case with the Sun.

At the time of writing, over 150k people have signed a petition asking for the actor's return to the franchise in the role of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.

The Change.org petition reads: "Johnny Depp was asked by Warner Bros to resign and leave his role of Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts 3 movie. This happened because of the verdict of his case with 'The Sun' tabloid that was completely unfair. We want him back! Warner Bros should listen to the public or we will boycott the movie!!!"

However, despite filming just one scene, the actor will receive his eight-figure salary.

As per the Hollywood Reporter, Depp will receive what has been reported to be an eight-figure deal for his role in the film, meaning that he will receive at least $10 million for his role in the franchise.

Filming for the latest installment in the Harry Potter spin-off franchise began on September 20 this year, and Depp was reportedly signed to a "pay-or-play contact", which requires him to be paid in full regardless of whether he is re-cast or if the film is even made in the first place.

The case centered around whether or not the Sun's description of Depp as a "wife-beater" was libelous.

Depp claimed that his reputation was tarnished by the continued existence of the article on the Sun's website and the fact that it was published alongside that of convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein.

In what has been described as the biggest libel case this century, per the Guardian, the Sun claimed that Depp assaulted his 34-year-old ex-wife Amber Heard.

The actor subsequently took to Instagram to reveal that he would be appealing the decision and that his "career will not be defined" by it.

Thanking his supporters, he said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who gifted me their support and loyalty.

"Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request.

"Finally, I wish to say this.

"The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal.

"My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false.

"My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time."

Johnny Depp fans have jumped to the actor's defense after he was asked to step down from his role in Fantastic Beasts after losing his libel case with the Sun.

At the time of writing, over 150k people have signed a petition asking for the actor's return to the franchise in the role of dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.

The Change.org petition reads: "Johnny Depp was asked by Warner Bros to resign and leave his role of Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts 3 movie. This happened because of the verdict of his case with 'The Sun' tabloid that was completely unfair. We want him back! Warner Bros should listen to the public or we will boycott the movie!!!"

However, despite filming just one scene, the actor will receive his eight-figure salary.

As per the Hollywood Reporter, Depp will receive what has been reported to be an eight-figure deal for his role in the film, meaning that he will receive at least $10 million for his role in the franchise.

Filming for the latest installment in the Harry Potter spin-off franchise began on September 20 this year, and Depp was reportedly signed to a "pay-or-play contact", which requires him to be paid in full regardless of whether he is re-cast or if the film is even made in the first place.

The case centered around whether or not the Sun's description of Depp as a "wife-beater" was libelous.

Depp claimed that his reputation was tarnished by the continued existence of the article on the Sun's website and the fact that it was published alongside that of convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein.

In what has been described as the biggest libel case this century, per the Guardian, the Sun claimed that Depp assaulted his 34-year-old ex-wife Amber Heard.

The actor subsequently took to Instagram to reveal that he would be appealing the decision and that his "career will not be defined" by it.

Thanking his supporters, he said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who gifted me their support and loyalty.

"Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request.

"Finally, I wish to say this.

"The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal.

"My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false.

"My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time."