In a twist worthy of the wizarding world, Warner Bros. has officially hit the brakes on the once-promising 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise. Director David Yates recently spilled the beans on the status of the magical film series during an interview with the Inside Total Film podcast.
"It's all just parked for the moment," Yates confessed, referring to the ambitious five-film plan that has now been left in a state of suspension. The series came to a screeching halt after the release of the third film, 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,' which, according to Yates, everyone was immensely proud of. But here's the real enchanting revelation – the five-film saga wasn't originally Warner Bros.' grand idea. It was more like an incantation gone awry, conjured by J.K. Rowling herself during a press event for the first film, leaving the creative team utterly spellbound.
Yates, the man behind the camera, hasn't been in touch with the key figures, including Rowling and Warner Bros., which hints at the franchise's current state of limbo. While he's off promoting his new crime drama, 'Pain Hustlers,' the future of Newt Scamander and the wizarding world remains shrouded in mystery.
One thing is for sure: the franchise may need a rejuvenating potion if it's to return, given the mixed reception and declining interest in the latter films. With Warner Bros. conjuring a Harry Potter TV series and the ongoing debates surrounding the franchise, the fate of 'Fantastic Beasts' hangs by a thread.