The Fantastic Beasts franchise, a prequel to the beloved Harry Potter series, has enchanted audiences worldwide with its magical universe, intriguing plotlines, and a stellar cast. The franchise has successfully expanded the wizarding world beyond Hogwarts, introducing new characters and creatures while maintaining the charm and magic that made the original series so popular.
As the third movie, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, is set to release in 2022, fans are already speculating about the future of the franchise. The question on everyone’s lips is: will there be a Fantastic Beasts 4?
The anticipation for the fourth installment is not unfounded. The franchise has consistently delivered high-quality entertainment, and fans are eager to see how the story unfolds.
The Fantastic Beasts series has not only kept the magic of the Harry Potter universe alive but has also added new layers to it, making the prospect of a fourth movie all the more exciting.
The Success of the Franchise
Before we delve into the possibility of a fourth movie, it’s essential to understand the success of the Fantastic Beasts franchise so far. The first movie, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, was released in 2016 and grossed over $814 million worldwide. Its sequel, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, was released in 2018 and made over $654 million at the box office. Both movies were well-received by fans and critics alike, with Rotten Tomatoes giving them a 74% and 37% approval rating, respectively.
The franchise’s success is not just limited to box office numbers. The Fantastic Beasts series has also been praised for its storytelling, world-building, and character development. The movies have managed to capture the essence of the Harry Potter universe while introducing new elements that make the franchise stand on its own. The success of the first two movies has set a high bar for the upcoming installments, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if they can live up to the expectations.
The Story So Far
Spoiler alert for those who have not seen the first two movies
The Fantastic Beasts franchise is set in the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling, but takes place decades before the events of the Harry Potter series. The story follows Newt Scamander, a magizoologist, as he travels the world collecting and studying magical creatures. Along the way, he becomes entangled in the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald’s plans for world domination.
In the first movie, we are introduced to Newt and his suitcase full of magical creatures. He arrives in New York City and accidentally releases some of his creatures, causing chaos in the city. He teams up with a No-Maj (American term for Muggle) named Jacob and two sisters, Tina and Queenie, to recapture the creatures and stop Grindelwald’s plans.
The second movie takes us to Paris, where Grindelwald has escaped from prison and is gathering followers for his cause. Newt, along with his friends and a young Albus Dumbledore, must stop Grindelwald from carrying out his plan to raise an army of pure-blood wizards and witches. The second movie deepens the plot, introducing new characters and revealing more about the existing ones. It also sets the stage for the upcoming movies, leaving fans eager to see what happens next.
The Cast and Crew
One of the reasons for the success of the Fantastic Beasts franchise is its talented cast and crew. The movies are directed by David Yates, who also directed the last four Harry Potter films. The screenplay is written by J.K. Rowling herself, ensuring that the story stays true to her vision.
The main cast includes Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein, Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski, and Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein. Johnny Depp plays the role of Gellert Grindelwald, with Jude Law as a young Albus Dumbledore. The cast also includes other notable actors such as Ezra Miller, Zoë Kravitz, and Callum Turner.
The cast’s performances have been praised for their authenticity and depth, bringing the characters to life in a way that resonates with the audience. The crew’s dedication to maintaining the magic and charm of the Harry Potter universe while introducing new elements has also been appreciated by fans and critics alike. The combination of a talented cast and a dedicated crew has been instrumental in the success of the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
The Third Movie: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
The third movie in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, titled Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, is set to release on April 15, 2022. The movie was originally scheduled to release in November 2021, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was pushed back.
The title of the movie has sparked speculation among fans about what secrets Dumbledore may be hiding. Some theories suggest that we may finally learn more about Dumbledore’s past and his relationship with Grindelwald. Others speculate that the movie may explore the origins of the Deathly Hallows, as the symbol is featured prominently in the movie’s logo.
The anticipation for the third movie is high, with fans eager to uncover the secrets that the title promises. The movie is expected to delve deeper into the characters’ backstories and the history of the wizarding world, providing a richer context for the events of the series. The third movie is also expected to set the stage for the future installments, making the prospect of a fourth movie even more exciting.
The Possibility of Fantastic Beasts 4
Now, let’s get to the question at hand: will there be a Fantastic Beasts 4? The short answer is, we don’t know for sure. Warner Bros. has not officially announced a fourth movie, but there are some indications that it may be in the works.
Firstly, the success of the franchise so far makes it likely that Warner Bros. would want to continue the story. The first two movies have made over $1.4 billion combined, and with the third movie yet to be released, there is still potential for more box office success.
Secondly, J.K. Rowling has stated in the past that she has a five-movie arc planned for the Fantastic Beasts franchise. This means that there is still one more movie left to complete the story she has envisioned.
Lastly, the ending of the second movie leaves room for a continuation of the story. Without giving away too many spoilers, the fate of some characters is left uncertain, and there are still loose ends that need to be tied up. The narrative possibilities for a fourth movie are vast, and fans are already speculating about the potential plotlines and character developments.
Fantastic Beasts 4 Release Date
If there is a Fantastic Beasts 4, when can we expect it to be released? Based on the release dates of the previous movies, it’s safe to assume that the fourth movie would be released in 2023. This would give enough time for production and post-production, as well as a reasonable gap between the third and fourth movies.
However, with the delays caused by the pandemic, it’s possible that the release date may be pushed back even further. It’s also worth noting that the release date for the third movie was pushed back twice, so there is always a chance that the release date for the fourth movie may change as well. The uncertainty surrounding the release date adds to the anticipation for the fourth movie, keeping fans on their toes.
The Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, and the Fantastic Beasts franchise is no exception. As mentioned earlier, the release date for the third movie was pushed back due to the pandemic. This delay also affected the filming of the fourth movie, which was originally supposed to start in 2020.
In an interview with Collider, Eddie Redmayne, who plays Newt Scamander, stated that the script for the fourth movie was not yet complete due to the delays caused by the pandemic. This suggests that even if there are plans for a fourth movie, it may take longer to release than originally anticipated. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the cast and crew’s dedication to the franchise gives fans hope that the fourth movie will be worth the wait.
Conclusion: Fantastic Beasts 4
In conclusion, while there has been no official announcement for a Fantastic Beasts 4, there are indications that it may be in the works. The success of the franchise, J.K. Rowling’s planned five-movie arc, and the loose ends left in the story all point to the possibility of a fourth movie.
If there is a Fantastic Beasts 4, we can expect it to be released in 2023, but the pandemic may cause further delays. Until then, fans can look forward to the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in 2022 and continue to speculate about what secrets may be revealed in the movie. The Fantastic Beasts franchise has proven to be a worthy successor to the Harry Potter series, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what magic the future installments will bring.