Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them: 10 Ways It Sets Up The Sequels
2. The Franchise Will Probably Have To Leave Newt Behind
Newt Scamander is a superb lead character for this re-entry into the Harry Potter universe. There are recognisable elements of each of the main trio in him, with a bit of Hagrid for good measure, and he's charmingly played by Eddie Redmayne.
And yet, while he's excellent, and will return in the future, there's also a clear sense this story will outgrow him.
At the end of the movie, Newt isn't far off finishing his book - which gives the film its title - and thanks to Harry Potter we know that it was indeed published in 1927 (a year after the events of the movie).
There's enough going on to keep him relevant for the next movie - his relationships with Dumbledore and Leta Lovegood, his romance with TIna, potential conflict with Grindelwald - but what about after that? It's unlikely we'll see too much time devoted to further editions of the textbook (indeed, the book is more an afterthought here), especially amid an escalating war.
This movie introduces that, and sets the stage for Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Between those two, especially with the latter played by Johnny Depp, there won't be too much room for Newt going forwards.