In a recent revelation, director David Yates has disclosed that Warner Bros. has opted to “park” the much-discussed Harry Potter spin-off prequel series, “Fantastic Beasts.” Speaking on the Inside Total Film podcast, Yates, known for helming every Wizarding World film since “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” in 2007, shed light on the studio’s decision.
Yates acknowledged the pride he and the team took in their most recent installment, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” released in 2022. He emphasized the need to pause and reflect as it ventured into the world. The film’s creation, set during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, was no small feat.
“With ‘Beasts,’ everything is currently on hold. We completed three films, with the last one navigating the complexities of the pandemic. It was an endeavor marked by immense fun but also significant challenges,” Yates remarked.
Filming occurred even in the absence of a vaccine, and stringent health protocols were meticulously enforced, ensuring the safety of the cast and crew.
However, “The Secrets of Dumbledore” garnered significantly less international box office revenue, amounting to $407 million. In contrast, the first film in the franchise, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” (2016), amassed an impressive $814 million, while its successor, “The Crimes of Grindelwald” (2018), reached $654 million.
The series has grappled with its share of controversies, stemming from both its actors and writer. J.K. Rowling, the esteemed author of Harry Potter and the sole screenwriter for the first two “Fantastic Beasts” films, as well as co-writer for the third, has faced extensive criticism due to her outspoken stance on transgender issues.
Adding to the tumult, Johnny Depp, who portrayed Grindelwald in the initial two “Fantastic Beasts” films, faced dismissal from the franchise in 2020. This decision followed his loss in a libel case against The Sun, which had labeled him a “wife-beater” following allegations of domestic violence from his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
Ezra Miller, another prominent figure in the franchise, found themselves in the headlines in 2022 due to multiple arrests. Ultimately, Miller pled guilty to unlawful trespassing and disclosed their pursuit of treatment for “complex mental health issues.”
Yates further revealed that the ambitious plan of a five-film series had taken many by surprise. “The notion of five ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films came as a complete shock to most of us,” he noted. The revelation, it appears, was made spontaneously by J.K. Rowling herself during a press screening, catching the team off guard.
The director, currently promoting his latest project, “Pain Hustlers,” a Netflix opioid drama featuring Emily Blunt, expressed his eagerness to take a hiatus from the Wizarding World to pursue other endeavors.
While the future of the “Fantastic Beasts” series remains uncertain, Yates emphasized the absence of in-depth discussions with key stakeholders at the moment.
This development marks a significant pause in a beloved franchise that has captivated audiences for over a decade, leaving its fate shrouded in uncertainty.
