Harry Potter fans have been having a truly delightful year; not only were we delivered a sequel in the form of play The Cursed Child, but J.K. Rowling also let slip that there are five (yes, FIVE) movies planned for the Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them franchise.

And, as we already know that Grindelwald is the Big Bad for the series, it’s safe to presume that old favourite Albus Dumbledore will crop up at some point in the prequels, too.

So it’s understandable that the filmmakers are keen to go big in terms of casting.

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Enter Johnny Depp.

Deadline have confirmed that Depp will be co-starring with Eddie Redmayne in the second of the Fantastic Beasts films.

However there’s a special treat for Potter fans, as it seems Depp’s character – which has yet to be confirmed – is going to be shrouded in secrecy.

For eagle-eyed viewers keen to unravel the mysteries of Rowling’s magical world, there’s another reason to really pay attention in the first movie (which is due out on 18 November).

Because, yes, Depp has a teeny-weeny ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ cameo in that one, too.

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So, could Depp be set to play Grindelwald himself?

For those who don’t remember every detail of the books (don't read on if you haven't read them), Gellert Grindelwald was the dark wizard whom Albus Dumbledore was friends with (and secretly in love with) when the pair were younger.

A heartbroken Dumbledore was eventually forced to defeat his childhood sweetheart in battle, securing control of the Elder Wand in the process.

via GIPHY

Then again, Depp could just as easily be Dumbledore himself – or someone else entirely.

We guess we’ll have to wait and see how he’ll fit into the adventures of Newt Scamander, some 70 years before Harry Potter first arrives at Hogwarts.

Images: Rex Features