When Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was announced as a movie, it also came with the announcement that it'd be a series, likely a trilogy.
But now, as the movie's Nov. 18 release date approaches, things have changed. As J.K. Rowling herself announced at a Fantastic Beasts live fan event on Thursday, there won't just be THREE movies — there will be FIVE.
"We've now done the plotting properly, and we're pretty sure it's gonna be five movies," Rowling said at the event.
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Said plotting includes the looming figure of Gellert Grindelwald, the pre-Voldemort malevolent wizard Albus Dumbledore knew (and, as Rowling later revealed, loved) in his youth.
As a new Fantastic Beasts featurette (above) hints, the larger story arc Rowling is referring to might have something to do with the trouble Grindelwald is stirring up in Europe during the era the first Beasts movie is set.
On Twitter after the event, Rowling was very clear that she doesn't mean "at least" five movies. She means FIVE MOVIES.
Not 'at least.' Five. Five movies. https://t.co/61YvDIKPsG
Five. Not seven. Not three. Five. (Got a feeling this is going to be the new 'not a prequel'). https://t.co/ZkjEeeDQjj
Thank you! (But it's five). https://t.co/eZZafAt3xN
5. Five. Cinq. Fünf. Cinco. Cinque. https://t.co/t8UVZMtO8V
So close. https://t.co/8kKJ1920FG
No... it will be FIVE PREQUELS! https://t.co/EKuPD2qP6l
I see what you did there. 4.95 (0.05 is nerves). https://t.co/EJ9etKj4dG
She also assured fans there is a story-related reason for the decision.
I think, when you realise what story we're *really* telling, you'll understand that it can't possibly fit in one mo… https://t.co/KE9jNjaHxc
I'm sure. There's a natural arc to five. You'll see. https://t.co/CGNBJB7PIF
So get ready for a lot more Newt Scamander. He's not going anywhere.
