Principal photography has been completed onFantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The film is the second in a planned five-film franchise at Warner Bros. that aims to prequelize the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on the big screen, initially based onJ.K. Rowling’s bookFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. While that initial film, set in 1926 New York City, followed the exploits of magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his quest to round up his titular creatures, it also set up the major arc of this prequel franchise, which is the rise of Grindelwald as the Voldemort of the early 20th century.
The sequel picks up pretty much whereFantastic Beastsleft off, but moves the action to Paris as Newt and his friends are enlisted to help thwart Grindelwald’s plans by none other than Albus Dumbledore, played byJude Lawin this new film. No doubt we’re heading towards a confrontation between Dumbledore and Grindelwald somewhere down the line, but for nowFantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwaldwill reveal the Parisian Wizarding World for the first time.
There’s certainly been some criticism of the casting ofJohnny Deppin the role of Grindelwald, one which we assume will continue throughout this franchise, but bothRowlinganddirectorDavid Yateshave vehemently defended the choice to keep Depp in the role.
Yates returns to the director’s chair after first helmingHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, then going on to directHalf-Blood Princeand bothDeathly Hallowsinstallments. The cast includesKatherine Waterston,Dan Fogler,Alison Sudol,Ezra Miller,Zoe Kravitz,Callum Turner, andClaudia Kim. Check out a special wrap video below.Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwaldhits theaters on July 21, 2025.
Here’s the official synopsis forFantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald:
At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
