Is There a Third or Fourth Fantastic Beasts Film in the Works?

As of 2023, there are no official announcements regarding a potential third or fourth film in the Harry Potter: Wizarding World franchise. While the filmmakers had initially planned for a five-film series, the direction of the franchise has been uncertain. Any continuation of the series would depend on various factors, including audience demand and studio decisions.

Unless there's a surprising announcement by Warner Bros., it's unlikely that a third and fourth film will be made, given the legal issues around Johnny Depp and Ezra Miller, as well as the declining box office performance of the series. The original plan was for five films, with the third film titled 'Secrets of Dumbledore,' set for release in April 2022. However, the fourth film and its release dates remain unknown.

Initial Plans and Current Uncertainty

The series was initially planned to have five films. However, due to the Johnny Depp incident, the multiple incidents involving Ezra Miller, and the declining box office performance from the three movies released, it's uncertain whether Warner Bros. will proceed with additional films. The third film in the series has already been released, titled 'Secrets of Dumbledore,' which was set to be released in the United States on April 15, 2022, and in the United Kingdom on April 8, 2022. The fourth film, its title, and release dates remain undisclosed as of November 2, 2021.

The Brexit Analogy

The Fantastic Beasts series has taken a turn that some compare to Brexit, a complex and uncertain process. Gellert Grindelwald, the main antagonist, could be seen as a mixture of political figures such as Boris Yeltsin and Boris Johnson. Albus Dumbledore, on the other hand, could be likened to Jeremy Corbyn and Bernie Sanders. Just like Brexit, the series leaves many elements in a "to be continued" situation, with Warner Bros. deciding whether to proceed with a third and fourth film.

Given the current uncertainties, there's a chance that Warner Bros. will decide to "crash out" of the franchise, similar to how the UK may leave the European Union. This would mean not making a third or fourth film in the series. To salvage the franchise, each movie would need a compelling story that satisfies the audience. The first film, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' had a clear narrative arc, focusing on the introduction of magic to the muggle world, and the chase for the Niffler, culminating in the release of Newt's Firebird. In contrast, the third film 'Secrets of Dumbledore' seems to focus more on fan service rather than a coherent story.

Future Directions

The future of the series hinges on several key factors. First, Warner Bros. will have to address the legal issues surrounding Johnny Depp and Ezra Miller, which could impact their willingness to continue the franchise. Second, they need to evaluate the audience response to the existing films, which have shown declining box office performance. Lastly, they must find a compelling narrative for any new films, ensuring each movie has a distinct beginning, middle, and end, much like the first film that captivated audiences.

In conclusion, while the Fantastic Beasts series is currently in a state of uncertainty, prospects for a third and fourth film depend heavily on a combination of studio decisions, legal issues, and audience reception. Fans will have to stay tuned for any developments.