Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a 2018 fantasy film directed by David Yates and produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is the sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) and the second installment in the Fantastic Beasts film series, which is set in J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World. The film features a returning cast including Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein, Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski, and introduces new characters played by Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore and Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald.
The plot picks up shortly after the events of the first film, with Grindelwald having escaped from custody. He seeks to gather followers to establish a new world order where wizards reign over non-magical beings. The story unfolds primarily in Paris, where Newt Scamander is reluctantly drawn back into the conflict due to Dumbledore's request for his help in stopping Grindelwald. Newt's brother, Theseus Scamander, an Auror, is also involved in the efforts against Grindelwald.
As the narrative progresses, various subplots intertwine, including Credence Barebone's quest for identity and belonging. Credence, played by Ezra Miller, learns more about his origins and his connection to the powerful Obscurus. Meanwhile, Tina Goldstein is on a mission to find Credence, believing he poses a significant threat due to his unstable powers.
The film explores themes of loyalty and choice as characters navigate their allegiances amidst rising tensions between the magical and non-magical communities. The climax involves a dramatic confrontation at the end of the film during a ceremony for the new Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, where Grindelwald manipulates events to further his agenda.
The Crimes of Grindelwald received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with some praising its visual effects and world-building but others criticizing its convoluted plot and character development. Despite this, it was commercially successful, grossing over $654 million worldwide. The film sets the stage for further developments in the Fantastic Beasts series, leading into its next installment titled Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, released in 2022.