The previous instalment in the Fantastic Beasts film series received what many would call a mixed reception, and the franchise based on the popular Harry Potter books has in recent years struggled with production issues and PR nightmares.
But after a long period of silence, recasts and rumours, we finally have more footage of the newest chapter in the cinematic Wizarding World:
After the dramatic ending of Crimes of Grindelwald, the Wizarding World is in turmoil. Grindelwald is expanding his influence and growing more powerful. Dumbledore once again calls upon our favourite magizoologist Newt, his Muggle friend Jacob, his brother Theseus, and a group of new faces to help stop Grindelwald on a journey around the world.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Grindelwald. As seen in the previous trailer, he looks a bit different this time, as Hannibal and James Bond actor Mads Mikkelsen has taken over the role from Johnny Depp. Whether this recast will be explained within the film or simply left unaddressed remains to be seen—but it wouldn’t be the first time. Dumbledore himself was also recast after Richard Harris’ passing, with Michael Gambon taking over the role without any narrative explanation.
What began as a rather small expansion of the mysterious Wizarding World in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is growing even further in The Secrets of Dumbledore. Based on reports of filming in Germany and Brazil, as well as cultural hints in the production design of certain shots from this and the previous trailer, I’d wager this film will take us to locations in Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, China, and the Himalayan region.
Of course, a Fantastic Beasts movie wouldn’t be complete without the titular fantastic beasts! Teddy the Niffler and Pickett the Bowtruckle return, and possibly also (Fawkes?) the Phoenix. We catch glimpses of a flying creature, a horde of (fire?) crabs, and a gigantic scorpion-like monster (possibly a Blast-Ended Skrewt) inside an underground temple complex.
How this film builds toward the ultimate confrontation between Grindelwald and Dumbledore is something we’ll discover in April!