Warner Bros. Three-Year Gap: ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Fan Three-ories!

May 11, 2019

Posted by: Dawn Johnson

Fandom, Fans, Fantastic Beasts Movie, Films, Fun, News

Previously, we assessed the implications of an almost three-year wait for the next Fantastic Beasts movie, looking at what might be in store for wizarding world fans in the realms of theater, gaming, theme parks and beyond. Today we’re diving into some of the debates which are sure to keep us going in the meantime!

Leaky has been busy developing our own theories–we looked at the parallels between the two series, including the significance of prophecies and sacrifices, broke down the blood pact and the extent of its reach, speculated over the identity of Aurelius Dumbledore and theorized about the connection between Nicolas Flamel and Professor Hicks.

Fans have been busy as well, and Leaky-follower Anne recently submitted a few of her theories for consideration:

Aurelius Gold/Ariana Silver 

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“Ariana was first used in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth century. It is also sometimes treated as a Welsh name, an elaboration of the Welsh: arian “silver.” (source Wikipedia) Credence means believe or truth. Aurelius is Latin for “gold” (aurum).

First of all, it seems no coincidence that all possible Dumbledores carry a name starting with the letter A. It seems even more unlikely that Nicolas Flamel as an Alchemist appears in the series and happens to be in possession of the philosopher’s/ sorcerer’s stone, which not only gives the Elixir of Life, but can transform any metal into pure gold just for the fun of it. What if Flamel and the stone play a key role in saving Credence/Aurelius and separating him from his obscurus? Did Dumbledore try it with Ariana but was too late? There is also the posibility that her obscurus lives inside Credence. It’s also no coincidence that Albus means “white,” and white is often associated with alchemy. Alchemy is even called “white magic,” and it is said in book one on his chocolate frog card that Dumbledore wrote a book on alchemy with Nicolas Flamel. 

We’ll also add a note from Faolana (@Faolana555), who pointed us to a YouTube video on the very same theory, asking the question “What if the Obscurus of Ariana is still alive?”

Foaling continued, “What if this Obscurus somehow got into Credence aka Aurelius? That would explain why the Phoenix came to Credence because he got a part of Dumbledore inside himself. Also, Dumbledores are known for being extremely powerful, so that’s probably why Credence is so powerful as well.”

Bunty is a Spy 

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This is a theory I (Anne) heard on one of the latest Mugglecast episodes (414 or something close to that). It suggests that there is more to Bunty, as we probably all think. 

It’s a little suspicious that Bunty refuses to leave even after Newt orders her to leave several times. Moreover, we do not see her leave the basement, which makes it easy for her to listen in to the conversation Newt has with Queenie and Jacob. She also looks suspicious in that picture in the magazine, where she sneaks around in the background. It would also give her a reason to even be in the story at all, and it seems very Jo like to introduce a character early that has a huge part later. The actress who plays Bunty quit her role in the Midwife, which suggests she needs more time for shooting the movie. It would also seem in character for Grindelwald to position a spy on Newt and his obscurus to learn more or possibly steal it at the right moment.

We would chime in on this debate with the reminder that J.K. Rowling includes a note in the Crimes of Grindelwald screenplay that Bunty is “hopelessly in love” with Newt. This is not likely to be subterfuge on Rowling’s part and, if it is genuine, Bunty’s feelings add an interesting twist to the question of Bunty’s allegiance. She could be working for Grindelwald, but if she is, her loyalty is now divided.

It seems more likely, however, that if she is supplying information to anyone, it is Dumbledore or the Ministry of Magic. She hangs around because she cares for Newt and does not want to see him harmed or overworked when she knows she can help. It would be a simple matter for Dumbledore or a Ministry representative to persuade her to keep an eye on Newt “for his own good.” She may very well have a larger part to play, but we aren’t sure she has nefarious intent. What do you think?

(It is well worth reading the screenplay as it includes many subtle context clues missed in the viewing alone, and these are very helpful for friendly debates over theories!)

Queenie is Not Enchanted or Bewitched

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Now, there is a huge debate over whether Queenie is enchanted or not when she passes through the fire diabolica and joins Grindelwald. It is believed that the flying teapot in Grindelwald’s hideout might contain a potion which bent her towards him. What speaks against this theory is that we do not see Queenie drink any of the tea. Even more, she raises her wand against Grindelwald when he enters the room. It is also questionable that Queenie would be able to pass through the fire if she was either a spy or enchanted without pain or being destroyed. The movie makes a strong point of showing the doubting acolyte dying while the faithful ones pass through unharmed. Queenie, on the other hand, does not pass easily. It causes her a lot of pain, which, to me, shows that she has doubts but that Grindelwald convinced her.

JK Rowling and Her Mysterious Constellation Pic and Badge/Pin 

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On May 2, Rowling updated her cover photo on twitter with a picture from the constellation Capricorn taken by the hubble telescope.

“Capricornus” is one of the constellations of the zodiac. Its name is Latin for “horned goat” or “goat horn” or “having horns like a goat’s”, and it is commonly represented in the form of a sea-goat: a mythical creature that is half goat, half fish. Its symbol is  (Unicode ?).” (Source Wikipedia)

This triggers thoughts on Aberforth and his fondness for goats. Is JKR giving us a little clue? 

In addition to the Capricorn picture, we can see a sort of pin or badge on the desk when visiting Rowling’s official page. The badge shows the sign Aquarius. Aquarius is a constellation pretty close to the Capricorn (they are neighbors).

“In Greek mythology, Aquarius is sometimes associated with Deucalion, the son of Prometheus who built a ship with his wife Pyrrha to survive an imminent flood. They sailed for nine days before washing ashore on Mount Parnassus.[3][6] Aquarius is also sometimes identified with beautiful Ganymede, a youth in Greek mythology and the son of Trojan king Tros, who was taken to Mount Olympus by Zeus to act as cup-carrier to the gods.[7][8][6] Neighboring Aquila represents the eagle, under Zeus’ command, that snatched the young boy;[9] some versions of the myth indicate that the eagle was in fact Zeus transformed. An alternative version of the tale recounts Ganymede’s kidnapping by the goddess of the dawn, Eos, motivated by her affection for young men; Zeus then stole him from Eos and employed him as cup-bearer. Yet another figure associated with the water bearer is Cecrops I, a king of Athens who sacrificed water instead of wine to the gods.[6]” (source Wikipedia)

How do you think this could relate to Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts, Potter heads? Do you see a connection written in the stars or is Rowling hinting at another project in the works? After all, in June of last year, Leaky reported that the “Answers to Questions” section on her official website revealed she was planning another story for children.

She always keeps us guessing but undoubtedly has a master plan in place, and there is clearly plenty for the fandom to work through in the next two-and-a-half years.

Thank you, Anne, Faolana and all other readers kicking off discussion threads, for moving the debates along!

What are your favorite Fantastic Beasts theories so far? Are there any you think deserve more attention? Let us know via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!





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.