As of today, there have been three Fantastic Beasts movies released. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the Fantastic Beasts series, answering frequently asked questions about the films, their place in the Wizarding World, and their future.
The Core Three: A Look at the Films
The Fantastic Beasts franchise, a prequel series to the immensely popular Harry Potter saga, expands the Wizarding World, introducing new characters, magical creatures, and global wizarding communities. While the initial plan envisioned five films, the future of the series remains uncertain after the release of the third installment. Let’s take a closer look at the existing movies:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016): This film introduces Newt Scamander, a magizoologist, and his travels to New York City in 1926. When some of his magical creatures escape, he finds himself embroiled in a conflict involving MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America) and the threat of an Obscurus.
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018): Picking up after the first film, this installment focuses on Gellert Grindelwald, a powerful dark wizard, and his growing influence. The story follows Newt and his allies as they attempt to thwart Grindelwald’s plans for wizarding supremacy.
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022): This film further explores the complex relationship between Albus Dumbledore and Grindelwald. With Grindelwald gaining power and influence, Dumbledore assembles a team, including Newt, to oppose him while navigating the limitations of a blood pact preventing them from directly fighting each other.
Fantastic Beasts FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the Fantastic Beasts movies, providing clarity and valuable information for fans and newcomers alike.
Where does the Fantastic Beasts series fit within the Harry Potter timeline?
The Fantastic Beasts films are prequels to the Harry Potter series. The first film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is set in 1926, roughly 70 years before the events of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This allows the series to explore the early lives of characters like Dumbledore and Grindelwald and to showcase a different era of the Wizarding World.
What is a “fantastic beast,” and why is Newt Scamander so interested in them?
A “fantastic beast” refers to any magical creature, ranging from the harmless to the incredibly dangerous. Newt Scamander is a magizoologist, meaning he studies and cares for magical creatures. He is passionate about their preservation and seeks to educate the wizarding world about their unique qualities and importance, challenging the common fear and prejudice surrounding them.
What is an Obscurus, and what role does it play in the films?
An Obscurus is a parasitic magical force that develops when a young witch or wizard is forced to suppress their magical abilities, often due to fear, trauma, or abuse. It manifests as a dark, destructive entity and can be extremely dangerous. In the first Fantastic Beasts film, an Obscurus plays a central role in the conflict, highlighting the dangers of suppressing magical talent and the importance of understanding and nurturing young wizards and witches.
Who is Gellert Grindelwald, and what are his goals?
Gellert Grindelwald is a powerful and charismatic dark wizard who pre-dates Voldemort. His goal is to establish wizarding supremacy over the Muggle (non-magical) world, believing that wizards and witches are inherently superior and should rule. His methods are often violent and extremist, leading to a global wizarding war. He is portrayed as a dangerous ideologue, willing to sacrifice anything to achieve his vision.
What is the significance of the Dumbledore-Grindelwald relationship?
The relationship between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald is complex and central to the Fantastic Beasts narrative. In their youth, they were close friends and shared similar views on wizarding dominance. However, their friendship fractured due to ideological differences and a tragic accident involving Dumbledore’s sister, Ariana. A blood pact prevents them from directly attacking each other, adding a layer of strategic complexity to their conflict.
How does the Fantastic Beasts series connect to the Harry Potter books and films?
The Fantastic Beasts series expands upon the Wizarding World established in the Harry Potter books and films. It features familiar characters like Albus Dumbledore, albeit in his younger years, and explores aspects of wizarding history and culture that were only hinted at in the original series. It also references familiar places and magical concepts, creating a cohesive and interconnected universe.
What are some of the key magical creatures featured in the Fantastic Beasts films?
The Fantastic Beasts films showcase a wide array of fascinating magical creatures, including:
- Nifflers: Small, furry creatures attracted to shiny objects.
- Bowtruckles: Small, tree-like creatures that guard wand-wood trees.
- Thunderbirds: Large, avian creatures that can create storms.
- Occamies: Plumed serpent-like creatures that can grow or shrink to fit available space.
- Demiguises: Ape-like creatures with the ability to turn invisible.
These creatures add depth and wonder to the films, highlighting the diversity and richness of the magical world.
Why was Johnny Depp replaced as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore?
Johnny Depp was replaced as Gellert Grindelwald by Mads Mikkelsen due to the legal controversy surrounding Depp’s personal life. Warner Bros. requested Depp resign from the role following the outcome of a libel lawsuit in the UK. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Grindelwald was praised for its subtle menace and intellectual depth.
What are the magical organizations like MACUSA and the German Ministry of Magic?
The Fantastic Beasts films introduce viewers to various magical organizations around the world. MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America) is the governing body for the wizarding community in the United States, similar to the Ministry of Magic in Britain. The German Ministry of Magic also plays a significant role in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, showcasing the different approaches to wizarding governance and the varying levels of integration with the Muggle world. These organizations highlight the global nature of the wizarding community and the diverse challenges faced by wizards and witches in different societies.
What is the future of the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise?
The future of the Fantastic Beasts franchise is currently uncertain. While originally planned as a five-film series, the critical and commercial performance of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore has led Warner Bros. to reassess the continuation of the series. No official announcements have been made regarding future installments, leaving fans in suspense about the ultimate fate of Newt Scamander and the unfolding conflict between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Box office performance and fan interest will likely determine if the saga continues.
Are the Fantastic Beasts books different from the films?
Yes, there is a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them book, which is presented as Newt Scamander’s guide to magical creatures. The book provides detailed descriptions of various beasts and their habitats. While it serves as the inspiration for the films, the movies significantly expand the story and introduce new characters and plotlines that are not present in the original book. Think of the book as supplemental material that enriches the film-viewing experience.
Where can I watch the Fantastic Beasts movies?
The Fantastic Beasts movies are available on various platforms. You can purchase or rent them digitally through services like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV. They are also often available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max (now Max), depending on your region and subscription status. Check your local listings for television broadcasts as well. DVD and Blu-ray copies are also widely available for purchase.