Another ‘Harry Potter’ Franchise Star Speaks Out on Scrapped Series

The Future of the Wizarding World: What’s Next for Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts?

More light has been shed on the fate of Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts series, as one of its key stars has offered her perspective on its uncertain future.

It has been over two decades since J.K. Rowling introduced us to “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” forever transforming pop culture. The magical trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, alongside their adventures at Hogwarts, captured the hearts of millions. Warner Bros. capitalized on this fervor, creating a multi-billion-dollar movie franchise that has remained a cultural cornerstone despite significant controversies.

However, the Wizarding World has proven it is not immune to box office setbacks. The Fantastic Beasts series, envisioned as a prequel to the Harry Potter saga, failed to achieve the same widespread acclaim. Its third installment, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022), holds the dubious title of the lowest-grossing Wizarding World film to date, bringing in only $407 million globally. Following this disappointing performance, Warner Bros. quietly removed the franchise from its development plans.

What started with promise in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) soon became a struggle for relevance. The sequels faced criticism for their convoluted narratives and controversial decisions, such as recasting Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald amid his legal battle with Amber Heard. Adding fuel to the fire were J.K. Rowling’s polarizing public statements on transgender issues, which alienated segments of the fanbase.

By 2022, Variety confirmed there were no plans for additional Fantastic Beasts films, even though Rowling had originally envisioned a five-movie arc. Director David Yates referred to the project as “parked,” while stars Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law admitted its future looked bleak. Redmayne acknowledged, “As far as I’m aware, that’s it,” while Law admitted the series was “on hold.”

Now, Katherine Waterston, who portrayed Tina Goldstein, has weighed in. Despite playing a central role in the first two films, Waterston’s character was sidelined in The Secrets of Dumbledore. In a recent interview with NME, she revealed she is still contractually tied to the series but doesn’t expect to return.

“The last two films probably won’t get made, but that’s only based on a gut feeling,” Waterston shared. “I know nothing, and I’d probably be one of the last to know if something was happening.” Reflecting on her contract, she mused, “Do contracts expire? I’ve never thought about that before, but they probably do at some point, right? At the moment, we are bound to them, but I think that ship has sailed.”

For now, it appears Warner Bros. is stepping away from the Fantastic Beasts era, shifting its focus to an ambitious reboot of the Harry Potter series as a serialized TV show on HBO. This new adaptation aims to retell Rowling’s original seven books, dedicating an entire season to each installment. Spanning a decade, this project promises to breathe new life into the Wizarding World canon. The first season is expected to debut in 2026.

The series has already started to take shape, with Francesca Gardiner confirmed as showrunner and Mark Mylod as director and executive producer. Returning to the fold is David Heyman, a key producer of the original films, while J.K. Rowling remains heavily involved in the creative process. Addressing concerns about her involvement, HBO chief Casey Bloys stated that her personal views “haven’t affected the casting or hiring of writers or production staff.”

Beyond the small screen, the Wizarding World is expanding in other exciting ways. Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe park will feature a new Ministry of Magic-themed attraction, immersing fans in a fresh slice of magical life. The enduring popularity of Harry Potter is undeniable, as fans continue to seek out new ways to experience the magic.

As the Wizarding World evolves, its legacy remains firmly entrenched in pop culture. While the curtain may have fallen on Fantastic Beasts, the ongoing investment in Harry Potter’s universe signals that this beloved franchise is far from fading into obscurity.

What are your thoughts on the future of the Wizarding World? Share your opinions in the comments below!