Directed by David Yates and written 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 stars Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, and Mads Mikkelsen. It will be broadcast on TF1 on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 9:10 PM, during prime time.
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 waiting for the return of our favorite wizards, including the ever-charismatic Norbert Dragonneau and his suitcase full of magical creatures! The wait is finally over. The story picks up shortly after The Crimes of Grindelwald, with the wizarding world in turmoil as it prepares to elect the supreme leader of the International Confederation of Wizards. Albus Dumbledore, bound by a blood pact with his former lover Gellert Grindelwald, attempts to thwart his evil plans without confronting him head-on. Don't worry, I won't reveal more about the plot!
This new adventure unfolds amid a highly tense political backdrop, where our heroes must rely on cunning and skill. While the screenplay delves deeper into the often-hidden motives of the characters, some viewers might find the film occasionally lacking in action or suspense. There are a few action scenes sprinkled throughout, but let's be honest — they don’t fully hold the attention of young teenagers during the 2-hour and 23-minute runtime.
It's a bit disappointing that the action is less prominent in this installment. Still, the special effects remain spectacular, and the overall atmosphere is noticeably brighter than in the previous film — which we see as a positive. That said, keeping up with the characters' adventures can sometimes require a bit of effort. And speaking of fantastic creatures, while fans will surely enjoy catching up with Pickett, Norbert Dragonneau’s beloved bowtruckle, Teddy the niffler, and a few new magical creatures, we would have loved to see even more new species to wow us with their incredible designs.
On the bright side, the cast truly shines! Mads Mikkelsen delivers a powerful and determined portrayal of Grindelwald, Ezra Miller adds new depth to the character of Credence, and Eddie Redmayne is hilariously quirky as the eccentric Norbert Dragonneau. Not to mention Victoria Yeates, who brings warmth and kindness to her role as Bunty.
In conclusion, the magic of this third chapter largely comes from a tightly woven, captivating story and top-tier acting performances.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Film | 2022
In theaters from April 13, 2022
Broadcast on TV: February 24, 2026, at 9:10 PM on TF1
Adventure, Fantasy | Duration: 2h22
Directed by David Yates | Starring Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Mads Mikkelsen
Original title: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Production: UK, USA
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.
For more options, check out our curated selection of must-watch movies, series, and shows on TV this week. Don't miss our guide to the latest releases across all streaming platforms, and the daily pick what to watch today in streaming.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
