Fantastic Beasts 3 has been officially scheduled for a November 2021 release date. After the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels concluded in 2011 with The Deathly Hallows Part 2, the property went dormant on the big screen for a handful of years. But something as popular as the Wizarding World was never going to stay away for long. In 2016, the franchise returned with a spinoff/prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which kicked off a five-movie series detailing the conflict against the dark wizard Grindelwald.

The first Fantastic Beasts earned generally positive reviews and $814 million worldwide, but last year’s sequel, The Crimes of Grindelwald, fared much worse. Hamstrung by negative reactions, the film grossed $653.7 million globally, becoming the lowest grossing Potter film to date. While plans remained in place for a third installment, Warner Bros. announced earlier this year that filming would begin later than anticipated, leading some to believe its projected 2020 debut would be delayed. Now, Fantastic Beasts 3 is on the slate for 2021.

According to The Wrap, WB will release Fantastic Beasts 3 on November 12, 2021. Production on the film is scheduled to commence in spring 2020.

According to Fantastic Beasts star Dan Fogler, the third film was delayed because it’s “bigger than the first two combined,” so the filmmakers felt it would be better to have additional prep time. Hopefully, that benefits the project, and it’s a positive sign the studio isn’t rushing through this one. The Crimes of Grindelwald did more harm than good in regards to building up hype for future entries, dedicating more time to setting up the next films as opposed to telling an entertaining story that stood on its own merits. Interestingly, this marks the second time Fantastic Beasts 3 production has been pushed back. At one point, it was thought to begin filming this fall, but it won’t be in front of the cameras until 2020. Apparently, the creative team really wants to take their time with this one in an attempt to get the franchise back on track.

One thing that’ll be interesting to keep an eye on is the Johnny Depp situation. WB is worried that his involvement with the series will hurt Fantastic Beasts 3, but ever since the actor’s controversial casting as arch villain Grindelwald, Rowling has defended Depp and director David Yates is also in his corner. While many fans would prefer to see Depp recast, that doesn’t appear to be in the cards (for now, anyway). Of course, that could change, especially since production is still a year away from starting. Regardless of what happens behind the scenes, hopefully Fantastic Beasts 3 will be a return to form for the Wizarding World.

More: What Fantastic Beasts 3 Needs To Do To Save The Harry Potter Prequel Series

Source: The Wrap

 

  • Fantastic Beasts 3 Release Date: 2022-04-15