Directed by David Yates and penned by J.K. Rowling, alongside Steve Kloves, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the third installment in the spin-off series set in the Harry Potter universe. Released in theaters on April 13, 2022, this chapter features performances by Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, and Mads Mikkelsen. It will be broadcast on TMC on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 9:25 pm, in the early evening slot.
As the wizarding world prepares to elect the new Supreme Head of the International Confederation of Wizards, Albus Dumbledore remains aware that Gellert Grindelwald is secretly vying for power. Bound by a blood pact preventing him from confronting his former friend directly, he tasks Newt Scamander with assembling a diverse team of witches, wizards, and even a Muggle baker to tackle the threat.
The group is tasked with thwarting Grindelwald's political and mystical schemes. Amidst a cast of brand-new magical creatures and international plots, the storyline delves into the ideological divisions within the wizarding world. This third installment especially sheds light on Dumbledore's past and the nature of his relationship with Grindelwald, which was hinted at in earlier films.
Designed as the third installment in a saga initially planned to span five chapters, the film explores Albus Dumbledore's early years. Director David Yates reflects on a pivotal moment in the future Hogwarts headmaster's life, while Jude Law emphasizes the importance of understanding his gradual break from Grindelwald. Based on an original screenplay by J.K. Rowling, the script is co-written with Steve Kloves, who adapted seven Harry Potter films. The production brings together longstanding contributors to the franchise, including production designer Stuart Craig, costume designer Colleen Atwood, and composer James Newton Howard (source: Warner Bros.).
The filming primarily took place at Warner Studios in Leavesden, UK, with sets recreating iconic locations such as Hogwarts, Berlin, and Bhutan. New creatures introduced in the film include the Qilin, inspired by Asian mythology and endowed with the ability to sense the purity of a soul; the shape-shifting Wyvern; and Manticore guardians of a magical prison. The movie also features the notable casting change of replacing Johnny Depp with Mads Mikkelsen as Grindelwald, a decision made by the studio amid highly publicized legal proceedings.
This third installment takes on a more politically charged tone than its predecessors, building on the themes introduced in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The story weaves between an international epic and personal drama, all while maintaining the familiar elements of family-friendly fantasy entertainment that have shaped J.K. Rowling’s expanded universe.
Our spoiler-free review of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022):
We've been eagerly awaiting the return of our favorite wizards, including the ever-charismatic Newt Scamander and his suitcase filled with fantastic beasts! Now, it's finally here. The story picks up shortly after Crimes of Grindelwald, during a tense period when the magical community votes to choose the Supreme Head of the International Confederation of Wizards. Albus Dumbledore, bound by a blood pact to his former lover Gellert Grindelwald, is trying to thwart his dangerous plans without direct confrontation. I won't reveal more about the plot—don't worry!
This new adventure unfolds against a backdrop of heightened political tension, requiring our heroes to use wit and cleverness. While the screenplay delves deeper into characters’ often-hidden motives, some viewers might find the film slightly lacking in action and suspense. There are a few high-energy scenes sprinkled throughout, but let's be honest—these moments don't exactly keep teenage audiences on the edge of their seats during the 2 hours and 23 minutes of runtime.
We do wish there had been more action in this installment. That said, the visual effects remain spectacular, and the overall tone is noticeably lighter than the darker atmospheres of previous chapters—which we think is a good thing. Still, following the characters' adventures can sometimes require a bit of effort. And speaking of fantastic beasts, while fans will be happy to see favorites like Pickett the bowtruckle, Teddy the niffler, and a few new creatures, we would have loved to discover even more incredible new species to truly wow us.
On the bright side, the cast truly elevates the film. Mads Mikkelsen delivers a compelling and fiercely determined Grindelwald, Ezra Miller adds surprising depth to Credence, and Eddie Redmayne is simply hilarious as the eccentric Newt Scamander. Victoria Yeates also shines as the gentle and generous Bunty.
In conclusion, the magic of this third installment ultimately hinges on a well-crafted, engaging story and top-tier performances from the cast.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Movie | 2022
In theaters from April 13, 2022
Broadcast on TV: on TMC on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Adventure, Fantasy | Duration: 2h22
Directed by David Yates | Starring Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen
Original title: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Countries: United Kingdom, United States
Blending a rich geopolitical tapestry with an intimate dive into Dumbledore's past, this third installment continues to expand the wizarding world first introduced in 2016. Airing during prime time on TF1, it offers viewers a deeper, more mature, and international take on J.K. Rowling’s beloved universe.
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