Hey everyone,
Welcome to another installment of Harry Potter Theory. Today we’re going to be discussing…Fantastic
Beasts…4?
With Secrets of Dumbledore’s release half a year ago, Harry Potter fans have been left
with a distinct craving for more, but today I’m going to be exploring IF and when that’s
even a possibility.
Now, let me just start off by saying that we waited a LONG time for the last film. In
fact, 4 years separated the third installment- the Secrets of Dumbledore, from the second-
the Crimes of Grindelwald, and SIX YEARS separated the latest release from the first- Fantastic
Beasts and Where to Find Them.
With a 6 year timeline for just 3 films, things have certainly been slow going- especially
if we consider that these films are furthering one of the most beloved film franchises of
all time.
And I think the question we need to be asking now is- where does that leave us?
We’re now 6 months post Secrets of Dumbledore, which means just enough time has passed that
we should be able to start piecing together WHISPERS of a fourth installment, right?
Sadly, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
In fact, Eddie Redmayne, in a recent interview with Indiewire, was asked about both his reprisal
of Newt Scamander as well as what may be next for Fantastic Beasts.
When pressed on whether or not he had any information about the fourth installment he
said:
“I don’t. It’s more a question for J. K. Rowling and David Yates and Warners, but
I don’t know, I’m afraid. I can’t add to that”
He did add, however, that he’s always up for getting back into character as Magizoologist
Newt Scamander:
“I love playing Newt, he’s a sweet man,” he added.
Though the Fantastic Beasts storyline was originally slated for 5 films in total, things
are not looking so good.
Why? Well, despite the gradual improvement of the films (at least in my eyes), the box-office
is certainly no reflection of that.
Secrets of Dumbledore grossed 400 million worldwide, down 39% from its precursor the
Crimes of Grindelwald at 659 million which in turn was down 19% from Fantastic Beasts
and Where to Find Them.
While $400 million is nothing to scoff at, it’s the LOWER and LOWER amounts that are
a cause for concern. These figures aren’t exactly promising.
And if the financial woes weren’t enough, we’ve also got to consider all of the controversies
surrounding the franchise.
Ezra Miller, who plays Credence, has been arrested multiple times over the last few
years, Johnny Depp was replaced, and Rowling is certainly no stranger to controversy.
It also appears that many of the actors / filmmakers involved are putting their energy in to other
projects.
To name a few: Redmayne’s working on The Good Nurse, Jude Law’s working on a handful
of projects, and David Yates is directing a conspiracy drama film for Netflix.
Those who aren’t shrouded in controversy seem to have their hands full.
So what does that mean for the story? Is it over?
Well, while there’s still very much to explore in the time period before Harry Potter, things
were left on an ending note- sort of. Grindelwald’s plans to achieve power were thwarted, a new
Dumbledore is revealed, and everything feels more or less copacetic.
Do I hope that things will continue? Absolutely. But, as of right now, things aren’t looking
so good.
However, If I were to look at the future of Fantastic Beasts through an unwavering veil
of positivity, there are a FEW things that make things feel a little more hopeful:
First of all, Credence’s character is dying, which makes continuing on without him fairly
straightforward.
Secondly, 6 months may just simply NOT be enough time to begin having a discussion about
another film. Perhaps Warner Bros are simply waiting for actors, producers and directors
to tie off loose ends before they get going again.
Lastly- we still have yet to see some of the most anticipated aspects of the story. One
of the most compelling aspects of Harry Potter lore is the fated duel between Dumbledore
and Grindelwald that finally gets him locked away in Nurmengard. Are they going to deprive
us of this?
What do you guys think? Will Fantastic Beasts 4 move forward? Or is that it for the Fantastic
Beasts franchise?
Leave a comment down below with what YOU think
Until next time
Remember
It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live