At present, there are three movies in the Fantastic Beasts series: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022). The original plan was for a five-film arc, but the future of the remaining two films remains uncertain.
A Journey Through the Wizarding World Beyond Hogwarts
The Fantastic Beasts franchise serves as a prequel to the Harry Potter series, expanding the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling and exploring a period of magical history previously only hinted at. Led by magizoologist Newt Scamander, the films take audiences on a global adventure, introducing new characters, magical creatures, and delving deeper into the rise of Gellert Grindelwald. While the franchise hasn’t always resonated perfectly with audiences, it offers a fascinating, albeit potentially incomplete, chapter in the broader Harry Potter narrative.
The Rise and Possible Fall of a Franchise
The initial entry, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, was met with largely positive reviews, generating considerable excitement for the series’ potential. However, subsequent installments encountered mixed reactions, impacting audience enthusiasm and, ultimately, the future of the planned five-movie saga. This article will delve into the intricacies of the series, exploring its current state and the factors influencing its trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fantastic Beasts Series
These FAQs aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Fantastic Beasts movies, their place within the Harry Potter universe, and the current situation regarding the unmade sequels.
FAQ 1: What is the chronological order of the Fantastic Beasts movies?
The chronological order mirrors the release order:
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
FAQ 2: When is Fantastic Beasts 4 coming out?
Currently, there is no confirmed release date for Fantastic Beasts 4. While initially planned as a five-film series, the production of the remaining two movies is on hold due to the mixed reception of The Crimes of Grindelwald and The Secrets of Dumbledore. Warner Bros. has stated they are evaluating the future of the franchise.
FAQ 3: What is the Fantastic Beasts series about?
The Fantastic Beasts series follows Newt Scamander, a British magizoologist, as he travels the world documenting magical creatures. The first film begins in 1926 New York, where a mishap leads to several of his creatures escaping. As the series progresses, the narrative shifts to focus on the rising threat of Gellert Grindelwald, a powerful dark wizard, and the efforts of Albus Dumbledore to stop him.
FAQ 4: How does the Fantastic Beasts series connect to Harry Potter?
The Fantastic Beasts series serves as a prequel to the Harry Potter books and films. It explores events that are mentioned in the Harry Potter series, such as Dumbledore’s past and his relationship with Grindelwald. Key characters like Albus Dumbledore have major roles in the Fantastic Beasts films, providing backstory to their Harry Potter counterparts.
FAQ 5: Who are the main characters in the Fantastic Beasts movies?
The main characters include:
- Newt Scamander: The protagonist, a dedicated magizoologist.
- Tina Goldstein: An American witch and Auror.
- Queenie Goldstein: Tina’s sister, a Legilimens (mind-reader).
- Jacob Kowalski: A No-Maj (American Muggle) who becomes friends with Newt.
- Albus Dumbledore: A young, powerful wizard and professor at Hogwarts.
- Gellert Grindelwald: A powerful dark wizard seeking magical supremacy over Muggles.
- Credence Barebone/Aurelius Dumbledore: A powerful Obscurial with a complicated connection to the Dumbledore family.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch the Fantastic Beasts movies?
The Fantastic Beasts movies are available for purchase or rent on various streaming platforms, including:
- Apple TV
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Vudu
They are also sometimes available on streaming services like HBO Max, depending on licensing agreements.
FAQ 7: Who wrote the screenplays for the Fantastic Beasts movies?
J.K. Rowling wrote or co-wrote the screenplays for all three Fantastic Beasts movies. Steve Kloves co-wrote Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore with Rowling.
FAQ 8: What is a “Beast” in the context of the Fantastic Beasts series?
In the Fantastic Beasts universe, a “Beast” refers to a magical creature. These creatures range from harmless and adorable to dangerous and fearsome. Newt Scamander’s mission is to document and protect these beasts, showcasing their diversity and importance to the magical ecosystem.
FAQ 9: Why was Johnny Depp replaced as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts 3?
Johnny Depp was replaced as Gellert Grindelwald due to the controversial defamation lawsuit he brought against The Sun newspaper, which he lost. Following the ruling, Warner Bros. asked Depp to resign from the role, and he complied.
FAQ 10: Who replaced Johnny Depp as Grindelwald?
Mads Mikkelsen replaced Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of the character received generally positive reviews.
FAQ 11: What are the common criticisms of the Fantastic Beasts movies?
Common criticisms include:
- Plot inconsistencies and pacing issues: Some viewers found the plots convoluted and the pacing uneven.
- Over-reliance on Harry Potter nostalgia: The films sometimes leaned too heavily on references to the original series, distracting from the new narrative.
- Character development: Some characters were considered underdeveloped or their motivations unclear.
- Shifting focus: The initial focus on magical creatures became secondary to the Grindelwald storyline, disappointing some viewers.
- Controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling: Rowling’s controversial views and statements have impacted the public perception of the franchise.
FAQ 12: What does the future hold for the Fantastic Beasts series?
The future of the Fantastic Beasts series remains uncertain. While Warner Bros. hasn’t officially canceled the remaining two films, they are on hold, and there have been no official announcements regarding their production. The performance of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore and the overall reception of the series will likely influence any future decisions. The original five-film arc may be revised, or the franchise may be concluded altogether. Fans hoping for the continuation of the story will have to wait and see what the future holds for Newt Scamander and the wizarding world he inhabits. Ultimately, the fate of the Fantastic Beasts series rests on Warner Bros.’ assessment of its commercial viability and creative direction.