Making a prequel is always a risky endeavor. Often times, they can be odds with what made the previous film successful by making something off-tone and disconnected. But with “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” director David Yates is treading in familiar territory.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” essentially introduced Potter fans to a new time and different setting in the Magical world. Now, “The Crimes of Grindelwald” ups the stakes. A similar theme of purity and righteousness will be featured in the film’s villain Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp). This type of magical cleansing was a prominent fixture of the “Harry Potter” films before. Just as the film draws back into history, in the world of Magic tyrannical ideas rear their ugly heads once again. The film will bring back cast members Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, and Dan Fogler. While the likes of Zoë Kravitz, Jessica Williams, and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore will join this spellbinding addition.
San Diego Comic-Con has been teasing the trailer for some time. In an interview with EW, Redmayne said the film will feel “…darker and more rigorous and weaving in the Potter lore we’re much more familiar with.” Now, the big reveal is here. With a swish of your wand (or click of your mouse; we love muggles here.), you can watch the official trailer below.
Here’s the official synopsis and trailer just out of San Diego Comic-Con:
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.
“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” appears in theaters November 16.
The cast of #FantasticBeasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald have arrived in Hall H. #MagicInSanDiego #SDCC2018 pic.twitter.com/xq6BrVbEXe
— Fantastic Beasts (@FantasticBeasts) July 21, 2018