Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Grindelwald has escaped his prison and is quickly rallying followers to a simple but dangerous belief: wizards should rule over non magical beings. The only person who might stop him is the one who once called him a friend, Albus Dumbledore. To take on the threat, Dumbledore turns to his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help though he knows the peril is greater than any mission before. Newt travels to distant corners of the magical world, gathering clues from trusted colleagues and unlikely allies while trying to protect the innocent lives harmed by hatred. As old loyalties are tested and new alliances form, the wizarding world grows more divided and perilous. Betrayal and courage rise amid the conflict.

Directed by David Yates and released in 2018, this installment expands J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World. It uses her screenplay as the source and continues the adventures that began with the first Fantastic Beasts film, showing a broader moral landscape worldwide.

Johnny Depp's return as Grindelwald sparked debate about casting and tone, drawing attention from fans and media alike. The public conversation helped shape expectations for later films and highlighted how big screen myth making can stir controversy. The production design and creatures drew particular praise for their imagination and texture.

Critics noted glossy visuals and strong performances even as some plot threads felt crowded. The film digs into power, prejudice, and loyalty, asking how far people will go when allegiance clashes with love and personal duty. Some critics also note undercurrents of grief and resilience that linger after the act.

The movie earned roughly six hundred fifty four million dollars worldwide, reflecting solid commercial appeal despite mixed reviews from critics. It performed particularly well in international markets and resonated with fans of magical creatures, though domestic results were not spectacular.