Will Fantastic Beasts 3 Be Another Failure?

As of the latest updates, the third installment of the Fantastic Beasts series has grossed approximately 400 million dollars globally, which is commendable. However, when compared to its predecessor, which grossed an astounding 814 million, the franchise's decline is evident. Given the massive 200 million dollar budget, it’s uncertain whether Fantastic Beasts 4 will proceed. If it does, it might very well be the final entry in the saga.

What Went Wrong?

Despite high hopes, particularly with author J.K. Rowling attached as a screenwriter, the series has stumbled. While Rowling is known for her exceptional narrative and creativity, the transition to the screenscript format seems to have faltered. This is understandable but leaves room for improvement in the storytelling and character development in future ventures.

One element that intrigues many is Mads Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Grindelwald, which contrasts with Colin Farrell’s earlier performance in the series. However, the third film faces potential delays, possibly being pushed back until 2023, adding to the uncertainty.

A Frequent Critic of the Second Installment

My concerns were echoed in the second film, where there were too many love stories. Characters like Bunty Newton’s assistant, who was in love with him, but he barely noticed, and Leta’s constant pursuit of Newt, who was to marry his brother Theseus and was in love with Tina, were confusing. Leta’s selfishness and the unexplained romance and deaths of Nagini and Credence were baffling.

The plot twist with Queenie and Jacob required more coherence. Queenie casting a spell on Jacob instead of convincing him to move to the UK and get married seemed more logical. Additionally, why did Queenie choose to join Grindelwald, knowing he tried to kill her sister in New York City? The narrative didn’t provide sufficient reasoning for this decision.

Hope for Future Installments

Despite these criticisms, the studio is likely to continue the saga. Even if the next three films break even, marketing a complete series would yield higher returns than ending the series prematurely. The fifth instalment could revive Hogwarts. Scenes of the Chamber of Secrets, Hagrid's return, and Moaning Myrtle's death could be reintroduced. Furthermore, the story could delve into Tom Riddle's past and the legendary duel between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, setting the stage for more wizarding world adventures during World War II.

In conclusion, while the situation with Fantastic Beasts 3 is uncertain, the franchise shows potential for a moderate success, promising rich storytelling and return to iconic locations and moments from the wizarding world.