There are currently three Fantastic Beasts movies released in order. The films, prequels to the Harry Potter series, explore the adventures of magizoologist Newt Scamander.
The Magical World Beyond Hogwarts: Exploring the Fantastic Beasts Franchise
The wizarding world, initially introduced through the eyes of Harry Potter, has captivated audiences globally for decades. But the magic doesn’t end with the Boy Who Lived. Fantastic Beasts takes us on a journey to explore the wider, more globally-oriented world of witches and wizards, decades before Harry even entered Hogwarts. At the heart of this expanding universe is Newt Scamander, a quirky and dedicated magizoologist whose adventures unveil a more complex and dangerous magical landscape than we previously imagined. This franchise promised a grand narrative spanning five films, but with the release of the third installment, its future hangs in the balance. Let’s delve into the details.
The Core Trio: The Fantastic Beasts Movies in Order
Understanding the sequence of these films is crucial for appreciating the overarching storyline. Here’s a chronological breakdown of the released movies:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016): This film marks the beginning of Newt Scamander’s adventure in 1920s New York City. He arrives with a suitcase full of magical creatures, some of which escape, causing chaos and exposing the magical community to the No-Maj (American Muggles). Newt teams up with Tina Goldstein, Queenie Goldstein, and Jacob Kowalski to recapture the beasts and confront the rising threat of Credence Barebone, an Obscurial.
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018): Moving the action to Paris, this sequel sees Grindelwald escape custody and gather followers to his cause of wizarding supremacy. Newt, Dumbledore, and their allies must work to stop Grindelwald before he gains too much power. Credence’s true identity is further explored, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022): This installment focuses on Albus Dumbledore’s past and his complicated relationship with Gellert Grindelwald. With Dumbledore unable to directly confront Grindelwald due to a blood pact, he assembles a team, including Newt, to thwart Grindelwald’s plans for global domination. The film delves deeper into the political maneuvering within the wizarding world and the personal sacrifices made in the fight against dark forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Fantastic Beasts Series
Understanding the intricacies of the Fantastic Beasts franchise often raises several questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries:
1. What is a magizoologist?
A magizoologist is a wizard or witch who studies magical creatures. Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the Fantastic Beasts series, is a renowned magizoologist who travels the world documenting and protecting these creatures.
2. What is the significance of Newt Scamander’s suitcase?
Newt’s suitcase is far more than it appears. It’s magically expanded to contain a vast and diverse environment where he houses and cares for a wide array of magical creatures. It serves as a portable sanctuary and a testament to his dedication to conservation and ethical treatment of magical animals.
3. Who is Credence Barebone and what is an Obscurial?
Credence Barebone is a young wizard who has suppressed his magical abilities, resulting in the development of an Obscurus, a destructive parasitic force that manifests in magical children who are forced to suppress their magic. Obscurials are typically short-lived due to the immense power of the Obscurus.
4. What is the importance of the blood pact between Dumbledore and Grindelwald?
The blood pact is a magical agreement made between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald in their youth, preventing them from directly harming each other. This pact significantly complicates the fight against Grindelwald and forces Dumbledore to rely on others to oppose him.
5. What are some of the most memorable fantastic beasts featured in the films?
The Fantastic Beasts series introduces a wide array of fascinating creatures. Some of the most memorable include:
- Niffler: A small, furry creature with a penchant for shiny objects.
- Bowtruckle: A tree-guardian, twig-like creature that protects its tree.
- Thunderbird: A majestic bird that creates storms with its wings.
- Occamy: A serpentine creature that grows or shrinks to fit the available space.
- Demiguise: An ape-like creature with the ability to turn invisible.
6. How does the Fantastic Beasts series connect to the Harry Potter books and films?
The Fantastic Beasts series serves as a prequel to the Harry Potter saga, providing backstory to key characters and events mentioned in the original series. For example, we see a younger Albus Dumbledore and learn more about his history with Gellert Grindelwald. Furthermore, the films directly tie into elements mentioned in the Harry Potter books, such as Newt Scamander’s textbook, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” which Harry and his classmates use at Hogwarts.
7. Why did the role of Gellert Grindelwald change actors?
The role of Gellert Grindelwald was originally played by Johnny Depp. However, due to controversies surrounding his personal life, Warner Bros. asked him to step down, and Mads Mikkelsen was subsequently cast in the role for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
8. Was the Fantastic Beasts series originally planned for five films?
Yes, the series was initially envisioned as a five-film arc. However, after the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the future of the franchise is uncertain, and no official announcement has been made regarding the production of further installments.
9. What are some criticisms of the Fantastic Beasts movies?
The Fantastic Beasts series has faced criticism for several reasons, including:
- Pacing and Plot: Some viewers have found the plots to be convoluted and the pacing uneven.
- Character Development: Some argue that the characters are less compelling than those in the Harry Potter series.
- Focus Shift: The focus shifted away from the “fantastic beasts” themselves, prioritizing the larger plot concerning Dumbledore and Grindelwald, which some viewers felt diluted the original concept.
- Inconsistencies with Harry Potter lore: Some plot elements introduce inconsistencies or contradictions with established details from the Harry Potter books and films.
10. Where can I watch the Fantastic Beasts movies?
The Fantastic Beasts movies are available for purchase or rental on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Apple TV. They are also often available on demand through cable providers. Additionally, they may occasionally appear on streaming services like HBO Max (now Max).
11. What is the significance of the “Secrets of Dumbledore”?
The “Secrets of Dumbledore” refers to various revelations about Albus Dumbledore’s past, including his complex relationship with Grindelwald, the circumstances surrounding his sister Ariana’s death, and his struggle with the temptations of power. These secrets shed light on his motivations and shape his actions in both the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter series. They also highlight the burden and the sacrifices Dumbledore made for the greater good.
12. What is the current status of the Fantastic Beasts franchise?
Currently, the future of the Fantastic Beasts franchise is uncertain. Warner Bros. has not officially announced any plans for additional films. The box office performance and critical reception of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore will likely play a significant role in determining whether the series continues. Many believe that the story requires the final two installments to resolve the narrative arc properly.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Fantastic Beasts
The Fantastic Beasts movies, while not without their controversies and uncertainties, have enriched the wizarding world, offering a broader perspective on its history and the complex characters within it. Whether the series continues or not, the existing films provide a captivating glimpse into the adventures of Newt Scamander and the early struggles against dark forces, leaving a lasting impact on the ever-expanding magical universe. The story underscores the importance of tolerance, understanding, and the unwavering pursuit of justice in the face of growing darkness. Only time will tell if we will see the remaining two planned chapters, but the legacy of Fantastic Beasts will continue to spark discussion and imagination for years to come.