When the “Fantastic Beasts” series about Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and the young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) was planned, it was supposed to be five films – three of which have been released. But after the start of “Fantastic Beasts 3: Dumbledore’s Secrets” in April 2022, things went suspiciously quiet around the “Harry Potter” spin-offs – a theatrical release date for “Fantastic Beasts 4” has not yet been set.
And that’s because “Fantastic Beasts 4” And “Fantastic Beasts 5“ very likely won’t come again. That became clear after the fantasy series faltered at the box office – and it now seems to have finally been confirmed with the announcement of the new “Harry Potter” series for streaming service Max (formerly HBO Max).
“Fantastic Beasts 4 + 5” currently unlikely
Warner Bros. has not yet officially responded to this. Actually, that is not necessary: because there was never concrete talk of production and theatrical release of “Fantastic Beasts 4”, but there were just plans, nothing really needs to be scrapped. At investor conferences recently, the “Beasts” series was simply completely ignored when it came to expanding the “Harry Potter” franchise. And nobody seems to have spoken about further sequels with Eddie Redmayne, as the actor explained.
After all, the story in “Fantastic Beasts 3” has already received a pretty good conclusion, as you can see in our movie review can read so fans aren’t just left with a movie series cut right down the middle. It is suspected that some kind of “little finale” was built into part 3 on purpose – in case the sequels weren’t made.
Instead: “Harry Potter” remake with new stars
As unlikely as “Fantastic Beasts 4 & 5” may be at the moment, in the movie world, as we know, you never say never. Nevertheless, we’re pretty sure the “Beasts” sequels aren’t to be expected for a while. Warner is now clearly focusing on the serialized “Harry Potter” remake, which should get a lot of attention in the coming months and years – if only by the question of which young actors* will inherit the roles from original stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Co. This would be decided in early 2024: