The Fantastic Beasts franchise emerged as a thrilling new chapter in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, promising an extended adventure that would enrich the beloved lore of Harry Potter.
Launched in 2016 with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the series quickly captivated audiences, presenting the character Newt Scamander and a glimpse into the world’s magical past.
With five films initially planned, the franchise aimed to reveal the origins of legendary characters, including Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Yet, despite the high hopes and star-studded cast, the Fantastic Beasts saga struggled with various challenges, leading to declining interest and a possible premature end to the story.
A Strong Start: The Success of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
When Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them premiered in 2016, it seemed like a sure hit. Grossing over $814 million at the global box office, the film was celebrated for its fresh take on the Wizarding World, with Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander offering a quirky, endearing protagonist. The film introduced viewers to a broader magical universe, focusing on the wizarding community in 1920s New York and blending adventure with intricate magical creatures. Its success set the stage for an ambitious five-film arc, with Warner Bros. confident that fans would remain enchanted by this extended universe.
Box Office Decline and Divisive Sequels
As the franchise continued with Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in 2018 and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in 2022, its allure faded, with box office earnings reflecting the shift. The Crimes of Grindelwald generated $654 million—significantly less than the first film—while The Secrets of Dumbledore earned a mere $405 million, half the original’s earnings. Alongside diminishing ticket sales, the films received mixed to negative reviews, with critics and fans alike questioning the series’ increasingly dark and convoluted plots.
Part of the issue stemmed from the franchise’s pivot from Newt’s lighthearted adventures to the darker backstory between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. The plot became more complex, veering away from Newt’s creatures and character charm, making the films feel less connected to the core themes that made Harry Potter so enduring. Without a trio like Harry, Hermione, and Ron to anchor the story, the series struggled to create lasting emotional resonance with audiences.
The Controversial Departure of Johnny Depp
One of the most significant setbacks for the Fantastic Beasts franchise was the controversy surrounding Johnny Depp, cast as the dark wizard Grindelwald. Following Depp’s widely publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, Warner Bros. requested Depp’s resignation after The Crimes of Grindelwald. This decision divided fans—some supported the removal, while others lamented the loss of his portrayal. Replacing him with Mads Mikkelsen for The Secrets of Dumbledore brought a shift in tone and style, but the abrupt change created uncertainty and impacted continuity in the series, overshadowing the film itself.
Why Fantastic Beasts Struggled Compared to Harry Potter
Comparing Fantastic Beasts to Harry Potter reveals stark differences that may have affected its reception. While Harry Potter enjoyed a massive global following thanks to its core story of friendship, courage, and triumph over evil, Fantastic Beasts presented a more complex, less universally relatable narrative. The franchise’s reliance on CGI-heavy spectacles and darker themes overshadowed the whimsical magic and emotional depth fans loved in Harry Potter. For many, the absence of universally appealing, enduring characters made Fantastic Beasts a less engaging experience.
Theme Park Impact: Epic Universe’s Fantastic Beasts Section
Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park is set to feature a Wizarding World section, with half of the area inspired by Fantastic Beasts’ take on the Ministry of Magic. Scheduled to open in 2025, this new park represents a major investment for Universal, promising guests an immersive experience in Rowling’s magical world.
However, the possible cancellation of the Fantastic Beasts franchise could pose challenges for the longevity and appeal of this theme park land.
While Harry Potter’s story continues to draw fans, Fantastic Beasts doesn’t enjoy the same cultural footprint or emotional connection with audiences. If interest in the series wanes further, there’s concern that the Fantastic Beasts-themed section may not attract the long-term attention needed to sustain its success.
The park’s investment in this part of the Wizarding World hinges on fans’ continued enthusiasm, so the franchise’s uncertain future could impact attendance and interest in this area of Epic Universe, which will open on May 22, 2024.
Eddie Redmayne’s Final Bow as Newt Scamander
In a recent interview with ComicBook, Redmayne shared his belief that audiences have “probably seen the last of Newt” on the big screen. He left the door slightly ajar, mentioning that Warner Bros. or J.K. Rowling would need to greenlight any potential sequels, but his comments strongly suggested that the franchise may not return.
Looking Forward: The Wizarding World’s Future
While Fantastic Beasts may not continue as planned, Warner Bros. has announced a fresh direction for the Wizarding World. The studio is moving forward with a Harry Potter television reboot, recasting iconic characters and reimagining the original story for a new generation. Though this decision has received mixed reactions from fans, it suggests that Warner Bros. is eager to keep Rowling’s world alive, albeit in a different format.
Final Thoughts
The Fantastic Beasts journey has been a complex one, brimming with potential and punctuated by both highlights and controversies. While it may not have achieved the enduring success of Harry Potter, the franchise still expanded J.K. Rowling’s universe in creative ways, introducing new magical lore and characters.
As Universal’s Epic Universe prepares to welcome Fantastic Beasts to its Wizarding World, only time will tell if the series’ legacy will resonate with theme park visitors. For now, Eddie Redmayne moves forward with his new thriller series, Day of the Jackal, premiering on Peacock on November 14—another step away from the world of wizards, though perhaps not entirely beyond the realm of magic.
Do you think that it is time to end the Fantastic Beasts series?
When they fired Johnny Depp for unfounded lies, that was the end of series, even tho they made another. Mads Mickelson made character too lifeless