The third film in the Fantastic Beasts series has received a release date– April 15, 2022– and a full title– Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. In an odd move during these pandemic times, Warner Brothers is actually moving this flick up by a few months, from its previous release date of July 15. This new date happens to be Easter weekend, which could explain the move, as that could attract a larger family audience.
So far, it appears that Warner Brothers will abandon its practice of releasing its movies day-and-date in theaters and on HBO Max, a practice that has drawn criticism as most viewers have skipped the cinema in favor of the free in-home experience. This is widely considered to be the reason that The Suicide Squad flopped despite being critically acclaimed and getting great word of mouth from those that did see it. It may have made sense to release Wonder Woman 1984 that way, as theaters were closed at that point and the film had already been delayed several times. But now, some critics consider the practice as Warner Brothers essentially sabotaging its own movies. (But keep in mind, the studio had already announced this day-and-date release plan back when the first round of the pandemic was in full swing, so there are probably legal and financial reasons why it can’t just stop now.)
As for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the film will be directed by David Yates, who has helmed both prior installments. The two existing films have grossed a combined $1.46 billion.
Eddie Redmayne returns as world-traveling Magizoologist Newt Scamander, along with Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein, Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein, Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski, and Ezra Miller as villain Credence Barebone. Based on the name, however, expect a heavier focus on Jude Law’s Albus Dumbledore. (Although based on the events of The Crimes of Grindlewald, there is another character who will likely get a heavy spotlight.)
Mads Mikkelsen steps in as Gellert Grindelwald after Johnny Depp was fired (reportedly he still got paid, though) following his recent legal battles.
Will you be checking out Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore on Easter weekend next year?