"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald": A Deep Dive into the Wizarding World Sequel
The second installment in the Fantastic Beasts series, "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," was released on November 16, 2018, in the United States and the United Kingdom. Directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling, the film is set in 1927 and follows Newt Scamander and Albus Dumbledore as they attempt to stop the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, who has escaped custody and is gathering followers for his cause of wizarding supremacy.
Plot Summary
"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" picks up a few months after the first film. Gellert Grindelwald escapes from MACUSA custody while being transferred to Europe for trial. Meanwhile, Newt Scamander is seeking to have his international travel ban lifted by the Ministry of Magic. He encounters his former Hogwarts classmate, Leta Lestrange, who is engaged to his brother, Theseus Scamander, a prominent Auror. Newt is given an ultimatum: help Theseus track down Credence Barebone in Paris, or remain banned from international travel.
Credence, who has discovered his magical abilities, is in Paris with Nagini, a woman cursed to transform into a snake. They are pursued by various factions, including bounty hunter Gunnar Grimmson (secretly working for Grindelwald) and wizard Yusuf Kama, who believes Credence to be his half-brother. Tina Goldstein is also in Paris, searching for Credence. Newt, accompanied by his No-Maj friend Jacob Kowalski, travels to Paris to find Tina and Credence.
The film culminates in a rally of Grindelwald's followers. Grindelwald reveals his vision of a global war and his belief in wizarding supremacy. A confrontation ensues, during which Leta Lestrange sacrifices herself to allow others to escape. At the rally, Grindelwald reveals to Credence that his true identity may be Aurelius Dumbledore, Albus Dumbledore's long-lost brother. Newt retrieves a vial from Grindelwald containing a blood pact that prevents him and Dumbledore from dueling, a pact Dumbledore believes can be destroyed.
Key Characters and Cast
The film features an ensemble cast, with returning actors and new additions:
- Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander
- Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein
- Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski
- Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein
- Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone
- Zoë Kravitz as Leta Lestrange
- Callum Turner as Theseus Scamander
- Claudia Kim as Nagini
- William Nadylam as Yusuf Kama
- Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore
- Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald
Other notable cast members include Kevin Guthrie as Abernathy, Brontis Jodorowsky as Nicolas Flamel, and Maja Bloom as Carrow.
Themes and Reception
"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the escalating conflict between good and evil, with Grindelwald's rhetoric of wizarding supremacy echoing real-world ideologies of fascism and racial superiority. The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the direction, performances (particularly from Jude Law and Johnny Depp), and visual effects, many found the plot to be overstuffed with characters and "overburdened" with details intended to set up future sequels. The film's box office performance was also considered a step down from its predecessor, though it still grossed over $654 million worldwide.
Filming Locations
Despite being set in London and Paris, much of the filming for "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" took place in the United Kingdom, primarily at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden. Iconic London locations like Leadenhall Market (which previously served as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films) and St. Paul's Cathedral were used. Some scenes were also filmed at Lacock Abbey, which doubled as Hogwarts, and the Highgate Cemetery in London, which served as the entrance to the Catacombs of Paris.
Soundtrack
The film's score was composed by James Newton Howard, with the soundtrack featuring a variety of tracks that enhance the magical and dramatic elements of the story. Notable tracks include "The Thestral Chase," "Newt and Leta," "Dumbledore," and "Vision of War."
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Fantastic Beasts 2 released? "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" was released on November 16, 2018.
Who plays Albus Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts 2? Jude Law plays a younger Albus Dumbledore in "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald."
What is the main plot of Fantastic Beasts 2? The main plot involves Newt Scamander and Albus Dumbledore attempting to thwart the plans of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, who has escaped custody and is gathering followers to achieve wizarding supremacy.
Where was Fantastic Beasts 2 filmed? While set in London and Paris, principal filming occurred at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, UK, with additional scenes shot at various UK locations and London landmarks.
Why did Johnny Depp leave Fantastic Beasts? Johnny Depp was asked to resign from his role as Grindelwald by Warner Bros. following domestic violence allegations and a court verdict. Mads Mikkelsen was later cast to replace him.
Conclusion
"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" expanded the Wizarding World narrative with a complex plot, new characters, and a darker tone. Despite facing mixed critical reception and a less robust box office performance compared to its predecessor, the film laid further groundwork for the ongoing saga, exploring the rising threat of Gellert Grindelwald and the intricate relationships within the magical community.
