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It’s been more than 20 years since J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” took readers on their first journey to Hogwarts, changing the landscape of modern pop culture. With a globally celebrated billion-dollar film series, the Wizarding World became a cultural phenomenon. Yet, not even magic can guarantee success forever, as Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts franchise stumbled at the box office and was quietly shelved.
Credit: Warner Bros.
The Fantastic Beasts saga began with promise. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) set the stage with Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) at the helm of a magical adventure. But by the time Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore hit theaters in 2022, the series was riddled with challenges. Its once-enchanting allure faded under the weight of convoluted plots, canon-altering decisions, and controversy. The final blow? A dismal $407 million global box office, the lowest of any Wizarding World installment.
The troubles didn’t stop there. Johnny Depp’s removal as Grindelwald amid his high-profile legal disputes alienated many fans. Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling, who penned the films, faced widespread backlash for her outspoken views on transgender issues, further dividing the fanbase. These controversies overshadowed the films themselves, and in 2022, Variety reported Warner Bros. had no plans to continue the franchise despite Rowling’s initial vision of a five-movie arc.
Credit: Warner Bros.
Director David Yates later confirmed the project was “parked,” and stars Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law acknowledged its uncertain future. Redmayne noted, “As far as I’m aware, that’s it,” while Law admitted the series was “on hold.” Now, Katherine Waterston, who played Tina Goldstein in the films, has broken her silence, offering insight into what’s likely the end of Fantastic Beasts.
Speaking to NME, Waterston expressed doubt about returning to the Wizarding World. Despite being contractually bound for potential sequels, she admitted the odds are slim. “The last two films probably won’t get made, but that’s only based on a gut feeling,” she revealed. “I know nothing, and I’d probably be one of the last to know if something was happening. Do contracts expire? I’ve never thought about that before, but they probably do at some point, right? At the moment, we are bound to them, but I think that ship has sailed.”
Credit: Warner Bros.
With the prequel series seemingly at its end, Warner Bros. has turned its focus to an ambitious reboot of the original Harry Potter story as a serialized HBO series. This major production will adapt each of Rowling’s seven books into its own season, spanning roughly a decade. The first season is slated to premiere in 2026, promising a new generation of fans a fresh take on the boy wizard’s journey.
Francesca Gardiner has been announced as showrunner, with Mark Mylod serving as director and executive producer. David Heyman, a staple of the original films, will also return as an executive producer, while Rowling remains deeply involved in shaping the project. Addressing her continued participation, HBO Chief Casey Bloys assured reporters that her controversial statements “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff.”
Credit: Warner Bros.
The Wizarding World’s future is not confined to television. Universal Orlando’s upcoming Epic Universe park will feature a new Ministry of Magic attraction, offering fans an immersive extension of their beloved franchise. From theme parks to streaming series, Warner Bros. remains committed to investing in the magic, even as the Fantastic Beasts chapter closes.
For longtime fans, the decision to pivot away from Fantastic Beasts is bittersweet. The prequel series sought to expand the Wizarding World’s lore, diving into pivotal characters like Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald. Yet, the films struggled to recapture the charm that made Harry Potter an enduring success. As Warner Bros. shifts its focus, the reboot provides an opportunity to revisit the magic from a new perspective while hopefully avoiding the pitfalls that hindered the spinoffs.
Credit: Warner Bros.
Even in its missteps, the Wizarding World remains a cultural juggernaut. Whether through books, films, TV shows, or immersive attractions, the franchise continues to evolve, proving that the magic of Hogwarts still resonates with audiences worldwide. While Fantastic Beasts may have lost its spark, the ongoing developments ensure that Harry Potter’s legacy is far from over.
What do you think about the future of the Wizarding World? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
