As J.K. Rowling slowly but surely reveals that Fantastic Beasts is leading into a story about the Global Wizarding War, one elephant has grown bigger in the room: What about Newt?
Update: In a tweet on Friday, November 25, Rowling sorta-kinda addressed the matter. When asked if Newt would be a “main character” in future films, the writer replied “Of course.”
Obviously this seems to contradict what Heyman said (below). Time will tell!
Original story: Newt Scamander is the lead character and author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, so from early on fans assumed this series would stay focused on the Magizoologist. But his involvement in the franchise has grown increasingly unclear since Rowling has essentially confirmed that the five-part movie series will end with the epic duel between Dumbledore and Grindelwald.
As it stands right now, many fan suspicions about Newt’s future are turning out to be true: Speaking to Cinema Blend, producer David Heyman suggested that Newt and his three new friends will not be at “the heart” of future movies:
“I don’t think [Newt will be at] the heart of all of them,” he said. “I think he’ll be part — so will Tina, Queenie and Jacob — will be part of the next one.”
He added that Dumbledore, Credence and Grindelwald will be key players in future films. “I think they will be the main players,” he said.
Rowling has said in previous interviews that she’s made a lot of headway on the sequel, so Heyman has presumably seen the script and knows what’s coming next.
‘Fantastic Beasts’ sequel titles
As for the titles of future movies, actor Eddie Redmayne said in a separate interview, “I did actually ask that question to David Yates and David Heyman yesterday, and the answer is: Fantastic Beasts will remain in the title if we go forward, and then it will be ‘and the…’”
So how could using “Fantastic Beasts” in all the titles make any sense if Newt will have a lesser role? “Beasts” could arguably refer to the Obscurus, the form a witch or wizard will take if they attempt to suppress their magical powers. Remember, Grindelwald was fascinated by the idea of the Obscurus and wanted to take Credence under his wing.
Given what we know about Ariana Dumbledore, many fans think Albus’ sister was an Obscurus as well. Though her death happens long before the events of Fantastic Beasts, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rowling jump backwards for a bit to explain why Grindelwald is so interested in Obscurials, as well as his old friendship with Dumbledore.
It’s all adding up now, isn’t it?