The Fantastic Beasts franchise, a prequel series to the beloved Harry Potter films, has encountered obstacles after the release of three installments. Warner Bros., the studio behind the franchise, has currently placed development of a fourth movie on hold, leaving fans and industry insiders alike speculating about the future of the franchise.
While the possibility of a fourth Fantastic Beasts movie appears slim at present, it’s worthwhile to delve into the hypothetical aspects of such a film, including its potential release date, cast, and plot.
Release Date
The release date for Fantastic Beasts 4, had it been greenlit, would have been a matter of conjecture. Given the production timeline of previous Fantastic Beasts films and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the film industry, a release date in 2025 or later would have been plausible.
Cast
The cast of Fantastic Beasts 4 would likely have featured many of the actors who have graced the previous three installments. Eddie Redmayne would have likely reprised his role as Newt Scamander, the eccentric British wizard at the heart of the franchise. Jude Law would have continued his portrayal of Albus Dumbledore, the legendary wizard who plays a pivotal role in the battle against Grindelwald. Mads Mikkelsen would have likely returned as Gellert Grindelwald, the powerful dark wizard who seeks to control the wizarding world. Other cast members, such as Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, and Alison Sudol, could have potentially returned to their respective roles as Jacob Kowalski, Credence Barebone, and Queenie Goldstein.
Plot
The plot of Fantastic Beasts 4 would have likely continued the narrative threads established in the previous films. With Grindelwald’s defeat in The Secrets of Dumbledore, the stage would have been set for a final confrontation between the dark wizard and Dumbledore. This epic duel, which is alluded to in the Harry Potter books, could have served as the central plot point of the fourth film. Additionally, the film could have explored the aftermath of Grindelwald’s defeat and the impact it has on the wizarding world.
The Future of the Harry Potter Franchise
While the Fantastic Beasts franchise may be currently on hiatus, the Harry Potter universe continues to expand in other mediums. Warner Bros. has announced plans to adapt the original Harry Potter books into a television series for HBO. This series, which is still in the early stages of development, would potentially offer a fresh take on the beloved characters and stories that have captivated audiences for decades.
In conclusion, the future of the Fantastic Beasts franchise remains uncertain, with the fourth installment currently on hold. However, the enduring popularity of the Harry Potter universe suggests that fans can expect to see more adaptations and spin-offs in the years to come.
