The Fantastic Beasts Cast: Where Are They Now And Will They Return For A Fourth Movie?

The Fantastic Beasts cast remains one of the most compelling ensembles in modern cinema, anchoring the prequel series to the beloved Harry Potter world. As of December 2025, the franchise's future is officially "on hold," leaving fans with many unanswered questions about the return of Newt Scamander, Albus Dumbledore, and their allies. The last installment, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022), concluded a dramatic chapter, but the cast members themselves have moved on to a variety of high-profile, fresh projects, keeping their careers buzzing in the interim.

The journey of the main actors—from Oscar winners to celebrated international stars—is as fascinating as the magical world they inhabit. This deep dive explores the current status of the Wizarding World extension and provides a complete, up-to-date look at the main cast, their roles, and where you can see them next while the fate of Fantastic Beasts 4 hangs in the balance.

The Core Fantastic Beasts Cast: A Full Profile and Their Latest Projects

The success of the Fantastic Beasts series hinges on the talent of its main actors, who bring depth to the complex characters created by J.K. Rowling. Here is a detailed look at the central cast members, their roles, and their most recent or upcoming endeavors, showcasing their topical authority in the film industry.

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• Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander
  • Role: The eccentric, kind-hearted Magizoologist and protagonist of the series.
  • Latest Update: Redmayne's most recent major film was The Good Nurse (2022). He is currently set to star in the highly anticipated upcoming television series adaptation of The Day of the Jackal (2024).
  • Notable Works: The Theory of Everything (Oscar Winner), Les Misérables, The Danish Girl.
• Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore
  • Role: The powerful, enigmatic future Headmaster of Hogwarts, grappling with his past relationship with Gellert Grindelwald.
  • Latest Update: Law has a packed schedule with several high-profile projects, including the upcoming series Black Rabbit (2025) and the film Eden (2025). Fans are also eagerly awaiting any news on Sherlock Holmes 3.
  • Notable Works: The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain, The Young Pope.
• Mads Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald
  • Role: The dangerous, charismatic dark wizard and Dumbledore's former love interest. Mikkelsen replaced Johnny Depp starting with The Secrets of Dumbledore.
  • Latest Update: Mikkelsen continues his busy international career, recently starring in the critically acclaimed Danish film The Promised Land (2023), which has seen a 2024 international release. He is also attached to a new Arctic action thriller.
  • Notable Works: Casino Royale, Hannibal (TV Series), Another Round.
• Katherine Waterston as Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein
  • Role: A determined Auror from MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America) and Newt's love interest.
  • Latest Update: Waterston has several new films on the horizon, including the horror film Afraid (2024 Preview), the comedy Fackham Hall (2025), and a role in the upcoming Fear Street: Prom Queen (2025).
  • Notable Works: Alien: Covenant, Inherent Vice, Steve Jobs.
• Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski
  • Role: The beloved No-Maj (Muggle) baker who stumbles into the magical world, becoming Newt's best friend.
  • Latest Update: Fogler starred in the 2023 film Spinning Gold and is set to appear in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown (2024), as well as a new take on Juliet & Romeo (2025).
  • Notable Works: The Walking Dead (TV Series), Balls of Fury, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Tony Winner).

The Recasting Controversy: Mads Mikkelsen Stepping in as Grindelwald

One of the most talked-about elements of the Fantastic Beasts series is the significant recasting of the main antagonist, Gellert Grindelwald. Originally portrayed by Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the role was handed over to the Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen for the third film, The Secrets of Dumbledore.

This decision, made by Warner Bros., was highly controversial and became a major headline, reflecting the complexities of celebrity public life and film production.

Mikkelsen's approach to the character was distinct. He consciously chose not to copy Depp's performance, aiming instead to bridge the gap between the two portrayals while making the character his own. His interpretation brought a more subtle, chilling, and politically manipulative edge to the dark wizard, contrasting with the more theatrical style of his predecessor.

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The seamless transition between the actors was crucial, especially given the intense personal connection between Grindelwald and Jude Law's Albus Dumbledore, which forms the emotional core of the series. The casting change remains a central point of discussion among fans and critics when evaluating the franchise's trajectory.

The Uncertain Future: Will the Cast Return for Fantastic Beasts 4?

The most pressing question for fans of the Wizarding World is the fate of the final two films in the planned five-part saga. As of late 2025, the news is not encouraging: the Fantastic Beasts franchise is currently on hold.

Both lead actors have given "frank" and somewhat doubtful updates on the possibility of a fourth installment. Jude Law, who plays Dumbledore, stated in a recent interview that the franchise is "certainly on hold," while Eddie Redmayne, the face of Newt Scamander, has also expressed doubt about its future.

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Key Factors Affecting the Franchise's Continuation

• Box Office Performance: While the first two films performed well, The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) saw a significant drop in its worldwide box office revenue compared to its predecessors. This financial performance has made Warner Bros. hesitant to greenlight the remaining two films.
• Creative Direction: The series has faced challenges in critical reception and audience engagement, with many feeling the plot strayed too far from the titular 'fantastic beasts' and became overly focused on the Dumbledore-Grindelwald conflict.
• The Harry Potter TV Series: The announcement of a new, long-form television series based on the original Harry Potter books has shifted the studio's focus and resources back to the core narrative, potentially sidelining the Fantastic Beasts prequel.

Despite the lack of an official cancellation, the core cast members—Redmayne, Law, Waterston, and Fogler—have all moved on to new projects, indicating that a return to their magical roles is not imminent. A potential Fantastic Beasts 4 would require a new script, a new production timeline, and an official announcement from Warner Bros., none of which have materialized in December 2025.

For now, the cast's current work provides a bridge for fans waiting for a resolution to the epic battle between Dumbledore and Grindelwald. The extensive world-building, the charming creatures, and the compelling performances of the talented ensemble in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Crimes of Grindelwald, and The Secrets of Dumbledore will have to suffice until the studio makes a definitive decision on the saga's conclusion.