In a recent interview on the Inside Total Films podcast, director David Yates provided insights into the decision to put the Fantastic Beasts franchise on pause, shedding light on his initial lack of awareness regarding J.K. Rowling’s ambitious plan for five films. The revelation comes after the third installment, “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” became the lowest-grossing Wizarding World film released by Warner Bros.
Yates confessed that the announcement of five films took the cast and crew by surprise. He stated, “The idea that there were going to be five films was a surprise to most of us. Jo just mentioned it spontaneously, at a press screening once. No one had told us there were going to be five; we’d committed to the first one.” The director, however, expressed optimism about the future, suggesting that a return to the franchise may be in the cards.
He further elaborated on the challenges faced during the production of “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the stringent safety protocols in place. Yates stated, “We made those three movies, the last one through a pandemic, and it was enormous fun but tough. We were actually filming when there wasn’t a vaccine.”
The Fantastic Beasts series has grappled with various controversies, from J.K. Rowling’s contentious comments about the trans community to Johnny Depp’s legal battles following domestic abuse allegations. Additionally, Ezra Miller, a non-binary actor, faced allegations including assault and burglary, grooming, and harboring a mother and her children throughout 2022. Miller has since withdrawn from the public eye to address “complex mental health issues.”
The future of the Wizarding World remains uncertain as fans eagerly await updates on the fate of the beloved franchise.