“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” managed to do what very few prequels are able to; it retained the mystical spirit of the beloved “Harry Potter” franchise, all while creating a world that could be appreciated on its own merit. The film gave us a new characters to root for including Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne, a socially awkward “magizoologist” (One who studies magical creatures), as well as an environmental conservation message that today, feels importantly timed. We also received a change in location, with much of “Fantastic Beasts” taking place in gorgeously photographed 1920s Manhattan. The film, while not quite as successful financially as the majority of the ‘Potter’ films, still made over $800 million worldwide. Inevitably, a sequel was planned.
“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald“, picks up right where the first film left off, with the wizards of MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America) trying to stop the dark forces of Gellert Grindelwald’s army. In this film, we finally get to see a young Albus Dumbledore, played by Jude Law, who recruits the assistance of Scamander. Aside from Redmayne, other returning stars include Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Carmen Ejogo and Johnny Depp as Grindelwald, whose casting choice has caused some angry reactions from fans. J.K. Rowling, the author of the ‘Potter’ universe has made the transition to screenwriter and David Yates, who filmed the previous ‘Fantastic Beasts’ entry and the last four ‘Harry Potter’ films, returns as director. “The Crimes of Grindelwald” is set to be the 2nd in a series of five films. Here’s the official synopsis:
At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
“FantasticBeasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” arrives in cinemas November 16.