Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a fantasy film that premiered on 29 March 2022 in London and was released in the United Kingdom on 8 April 2022 and in the United States on 15 April 2022. This film is the third and final installment in the Fantastic Beasts series and the eleventh film in the Wizarding World franchise. Directed by David Yates, it features a screenplay by J. K. Rowling and Steve Kloves. The film stars an ensemble cast including Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Ezra Miller, and Mads Mikkelsen, who takes over the role of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald.

The story unfolds several years after the events of the previous film, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018). Albus Dumbledore recruits Newt Scamander and his allies to confront Grindelwald's growing dark army. The film features a mix of thrilling action and magical adventures, with the characters traveling across various locations, including Bhutan and Berlin, to thwart Grindelwald's sinister plans.

Plot Overview

The film opens with a brief encounter between Dumbledore and Grindelwald in a Muggle teashop, where they confront their past and their feelings for each other. As Grindelwald vows to destroy the Muggle world, Dumbledore attempts to persuade him to abandon this madness.

In the magical city of Kweilin, China, Newt Scamander assists a Qilin, a mystical creature, during its childbirth. However, tragedy strikes when Grindelwald's followers attack, leading to the kidnapping of the newborn Qilin. Despite the chaos, Newt manages to save one of the twins, which plays a significant role later in the story.

Due to a blood pact that prevents Dumbledore from confronting Grindelwald directly, he assembles a team consisting of Newt, his brother Theseus, their ally Lally Hicks, and others to stop Grindelwald. They embark on a mission to Berlin, where they face various challenges, including navigating political intrigue within the International Confederation of Wizards.

The film culminates in a dramatic showdown at the Walk of the Qilin ritual, where the surviving Qilin ultimately decides the next Supreme Leader of the Wizarding World.

Cast Highlights

• Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, the film's protagonist and a skilled magizoologist.
• Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore, a wise and powerful wizard.
• Mads Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald, the dark wizard seeking control.
• Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone, who grapples with his identity.
• Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski, a No-Maj bakery owner and loyal friend of Newt.

Production and Release

Initially scheduled for release in November 2020, the film faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming began in September 2020, with Mads Mikkelsen stepping in for Johnny Depp, who was replaced after legal issues. The film was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and earned approximately $407 million at the global box office, making it the lowest-grossing entry in the Wizarding World franchise.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews, holding a 46% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics noted that while it avoided some issues of its predecessor, it lacked the charm that initially drew audiences into the Wizarding World. Mads Mikkelsen's performance as Grindelwald was particularly praised, with some reviews suggesting he outshone Johnny Depp's previous portrayal.

Despite its challenges, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore provides a thrilling conclusion to the Fantastic Beasts series, blending magical elements with themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil.