Fantastic Beasts Will Return for ‘Crimes of Grindelwald!’

Dec 13, 2017

Posted by: Dawn Johnson

BigNews, Directors, Exclusives, Fandom, Fans, Fantastic Beasts, Fantastic Beasts Movie, Films, Heyman Interviews, J.K. Rowling, Movies, News, Producers, Redmayne, Redmayne Interviews, Yates

Much proverbial ink has been spilled speculating over the plot of the upcoming Fantastic Beasts sequel, officially titled Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Leaky has analyzed the name and the cast photos, our knowledge of Grindelwald’s obsession with the Deathly Hallows, and all the other details we know, including the possible connection between Credence Barebone’s reappearance, the mysterious power of Obscurials, and the Dumbledore’s tragic family history.

But, up until now, very little was known about which beasts would be incorporated into the follow-up, if any. They were heavily featured in the first film and, as Newt’s adventure in America began, the beasts’ escape from his magical case drove the rising action of the film and introduced his ensuing conflict with MACUSA, which first brought him to Graves attention. And then, after the climax of his encounter with Graves and Credence, Newt’s thunderbird, Frank, aided in the resolution of the film by distributing the obliviative serum throughout the city.

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Given that Fantastic Beasts was retained as part of the second title, we presumed they would be included somehow, and that it wasn’t simply a marketing ploy playing on name recognition. Early on, details emerged that a wizarding circus would be featured at some point in the story, so there was always a strong likelihood they would appear there.

Now, Entertainment Weekly has released comments from executive producer David Heyman and star Eddie Redmayne which give us a few specifics! In an exclusive statement to EW, Heyman said:

“There are as many beasts in the film as in the first…But the main driver in the first film was finding the beasts. That’s not the driver in this film, it’s not a central part of the plot. But beasts feature in the film and feature strongly.”

Though the information is not surprising, it is still an exciting confirmation! The interesting thing to consider now is how they will be used in the next part of J.K. Rowling’s story. Redmayne divulged a few details, which may give us a couple clues. He teased:

“There’s a Chinese creature that’s formidable…There are some of the old favorites: The Niffler is back and causing havoc. As is Picket.”

Picket will more than likely be kept close to the vest, literally, as he was in the first film. So he will travel wherever Newt travels and may prove exceptionally useful in getting into tight places or picking locks that are inexplicably resistant to spells such as “Alohomora” but where more discretion than an outright “Reducto” is advisable.

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The Niffler will provide some needed comic relief in a story that will no doubt focus on heavier, darker subject matter. Of course, there’s always a possibility that the Niffler’s penchant for all that glitters will play in somehow. Maybe they need to get their hands on an important magical object and merely have to steer the creature in the right direction.

Who knows, maybe there are magical protections against “Accio” that would be an impediment?! Or, maybe they don’t know what they’re looking for and can’t use the retrieval charm! (The difficulty would be in prying it from his greedy little claws later!)

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As for the Chinese creature–David Yates let this small but significant detail slip awhile ago, and Leaky suggested that the beast could be Fawkes or even the Chinese Fireball of Goblet of Fire fame. The question is what Redmayne’s chosen descriptive refers to. Formidable means daunting, challenging, and intimidating, but what is the connotation? Is the creature “formidable” in size and stature or in ability?

If he is referring to size, then we could easily meet with the dragon, perhaps, at this wizarding circus that keeps popping up! If he means ability, though that could also suggest the dragon, it could be just as well applied to a phoenix, which possesses many remarkable magical qualities, including rebirth, strength, and tears with healing properties.

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In fact, this would be a perfect opportunity for Rowling to introduce Fawkes as a character and reveal how he came to be in Dumbledore’s possession.

Maybe he can’t be returned to the wild for some reason? Perhaps he suffers an injury that prevents him from being fully rehabilitated, and Newt entrusts him to Dumbledore’s care? If there are magical maladies that healers cannot cure, it’s very possible there are those beyond the restorative nature of regeneration as well.

Or, since he is a faithful companion of Dumbledore and, later, an agent of Godric Gryffindor’s sword, maybe he stays out of loyalty! (What we really want to know is which they find first–the phoenix or the ash?)

However it came about, Grindelwald’s criminal mayhem would leave a trail of destruction in his wake, and Fawke’s could provide much needed assistance along the way!

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However they feature in this film, we’re excited that some of our favorites–and presumably many others!–will be returning. We can’t imagine Newt Scamander without a beast or two up his sleeve, and we know he has that finicky old case…so what do you think Potter fans? What other fantastic beasts are you hoping to see?!





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.