It might be a while before fans witness another installment in the Fantastic Beasts film series, as director David Yates has indicated a pause in the franchise. In an exclusive interview with Total Film magazine, Yates discussed the concept of creating five Fantastic Beasts films, revealing that he wasn’t initially informed about the need for a continuous series.
Harry Potter Prequel
Headlined by Eddie Redmayne, the Fantastic Beasts series serves as a prequel to the beloved Harry Potter saga, envisioned by J.K. Rowling as a five-film epic. The franchise currently comprises three films: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), and The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022). However, the prospect of additional films is being reconsidered, partly due to a lackluster response at the box office.
Challenging Production
Yates reflected on the challenging production process, stating, “With Beasts, it’s all just parked. We made those three movies, the last one through a pandemic, and it was enormous fun but it was tough.” He emphasized the team’s pride in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore but acknowledged the need to take a break after its release.
Five-Flim Plan
Having directed all three Fantastic Beasts films and previously helmed every installment of the Harry Potter series, Yates expressed surprise at the revelation of a five-film plan. “The idea that there were going to be five films was a surprise to most of us,” he said, recalling J.K. Rowling mentioning it spontaneously at a press screening. Despite committing to the first film, Yates noted a lack of communication about the extended series.
Future Franchise
Addressing the future of the franchise, Yates disclosed, “I’m sure at some point, we’ll be back. But yeah, I haven’t spoken to Jo, I haven’t spoken to [producer] David Heyman, I haven’t spoken to Warner Bros; we’re just taking a pause.” This hiatus allows him the freedom to explore other projects, such as his crime drama Pain Hustlers on Netflix, starring Chris Evans and Emily Blunt.
Film in Real World
Yates explained his shift from the fantastical world of J.K. Rowling to a more grounded narrative, saying, “Having spent such a long time making films about wizards, I wanted to do a film in the real world and a social-issue driven, but one that wasn’t too earnest and serious.” Pain Hustlers represents a departure from the magical realm, offering an entertaining and subversively funny take on social issues while maintaining a heightened and intense atmosphere.
In summary, the Fantastic Beasts series is currently on hold, allowing David Yates the opportunity to explore new creative endeavors, including his compelling crime drama Pain Hustlers.