The Future of Fantastic Beasts 4: Has the Door Closed, or Is There Still Hope?

The Fantastic Beasts series was once envisioned as the next great chapter in the Wizarding World, expanding the magical universe created by J.K. Rowling. However, after three films with declining box office numbers and mixed audience reception, the fate of Fantastic Beasts 4 remains uncertain. Has the franchise truly been abandoned, or is there still a chance for its continuation?

From Success to Disappointment: The Journey of Fantastic Beasts

When Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was released in 2016, it received critical acclaim for its fresh perspective on the Wizarding World. Led by Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, a quirky but passionate magizoologist, the film captured audiences’ imaginations and grossed over $814 million worldwide. It seemed like a strong foundation for a planned five-movie saga.

However, the following two films failed to maintain that momentum. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) was criticized for its convoluted and unfocused plot, while Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) attempted to course-correct but still struggled to reignite audience enthusiasm. The third installment earned only $407 million worldwide—the lowest in the entire Wizarding World franchise. Adding to the series’ troubles were controversies surrounding the cast, including Johnny Depp’s replacement by Mads Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald and the legal issues involving Ezra Miller.

Fantastic Beasts 4: A Project “On Hold” Indefinitely

As of now, Fantastic Beasts 4 has not been officially confirmed by Warner Bros. In fact, in an October 2023 interview, director David Yates revealed that the franchise had been “parked.” He explained that after the challenging production of the third film, the entire team needed a break, and there were no current plans for a continuation.

Eddie Redmayne, who plays Newt Scamander, also expressed doubt about the series’ future. In an October 2024 interview, he suggested that Newt’s journey may have already come to an end, signaling that Fantastic Beasts 4 is unlikely to happen.

Warner Bros.’ Shift in Priorities

One of the biggest reasons for Fantastic Beasts 4’s uncertain future is Warner Bros.’ shift in focus. Instead of investing in another Fantastic Beasts film, the studio is prioritizing a highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot series for HBO Max.

This series will retell the Harry Potter story across multiple seasons, with each season dedicated to one book from the original series. With a built-in fanbase spanning generations, this project is seen as a safer and more profitable venture compared to continuing a franchise that has struggled to maintain audience interest.

Additionally, controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling may be influencing Warner Bros.’ hesitation. While Rowling remains the mastermind behind the Wizarding World, her public statements have sparked significant backlash, affecting audience sentiment toward new projects under her name.

What If Fantastic Beasts 4 Did Happen?

If Fantastic Beasts 4 were to be made, it would likely focus on the long-awaited final duel between Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen). According to Wizarding World lore, this legendary battle takes place in 1945, marking Grindelwald’s downfall and Dumbledore’s rise as a hero.

However, Newt Scamander’s role might diminish as the story shifts its focus to this epic confrontation. Characters like Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), and Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol) could return, though their significance in the plot would depend on how the narrative unfolds. Meanwhile, Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) would likely be written out or given a smaller role, considering both the controversies surrounding Miller and the character’s declining health in The Secrets of Dumbledore.

There are some fan-made trailers, such as the video below:

Could Fantastic Beasts 4 Be a Success?

If Warner Bros. decides to move forward with Fantastic Beasts 4, they will need to address the issues that caused the previous films to underperform. A stronger, more streamlined script, a return to the series’ original charm of magical creature exploration, and a more focused story could help reignite audience interest.

However, with Harry Potter’s reboot on the horizon and Fantastic Beasts fading from the spotlight, the chances of a fourth installment being greenlit are slim.

Conclusion: Is This the End of Fantastic Beasts?

Although Fantastic Beasts 4 has not been officially canceled, statements from the director, cast, and Warner Bros.’ strategic shift strongly suggest that the series has come to an end. However, in the world of magic, nothing is ever entirely certain. If a miracle were to happen, fans would surely welcome it with excitement.

For now, it may be best to enjoy the existing films and look forward to the upcoming Harry Potter series. The Wizarding World still has plenty of untapped potential—but perhaps Fantastic Beasts is not the right path to continue that journey.

What do you think about Fantastic Beasts 4 possibly being canceled? Should Warner Bros. continue the series, or is it time to move on? Share your thoughts!