The Definitive List Of The Fantastic Beasts 3 Cast: Inside The Controversial Recast And Franchise Future Update

The cast of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (often referred to as Fantastic Beasts 3) remains one of the most compelling and highly-debated ensembles in the modern Wizarding World franchise. Released in 2022, the film brought back the core magical team led by Newt Scamander, but it was the dramatic, high-profile recasting of the primary antagonist, Gellert Grindelwald, that dominated headlines and fueled fan curiosity right up to its premiere.

As of late 2025, the film stands as the final installment in the series, with the planned fifth film currently on an indefinite hold. This article provides the definitive, updated list of the main cast, delves into the controversial switch from Johnny Depp to Mads Mikkelsen, and explores the key character arcs that shaped the finale of the franchise’s current run.

The Core Fantastic Beasts 3 Cast and Character List

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore saw the return of most principal actors, with one major exception that reshaped the dynamic of the main conflict. The film’s narrative centers on a team assembled by Albus Dumbledore to thwart the rising power of Gellert Grindelwald. Here is the complete list of the main cast and their roles:

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• Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander
• Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore
• Mads Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald (replacing Johnny Depp)
• Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone / Aurelius Dumbledore
• Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski
• Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein
• Callum Turner as Theseus Scamander
• Jessica Williams as Professor Eulalie "Lally" Hicks
• Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein
• Richard Coyle as Aberforth Dumbledore
• William Nadylam as Yusuf Kama
• Poppy Corby-Tuech as Vinda Rosier
• Maria Fernanda Cândido as Vicência Santos

The New Faces and Expanded Roles

While most of the cast were returning players, two roles were significantly expanded or newly introduced, adding crucial depth to the team known as "Dumbledore's First Army."

Mads Mikkelsen: The New Grindelwald

The most talked-about casting change was Mads Mikkelsen taking over the role of the Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Mikkelsen’s portrayal offered a stark contrast to Johnny Depp's flamboyant, stylized version. Mikkelsen brought a chilling, understated menace to the character, making him feel less like a theatrical villain and more like a charismatic, dangerous political operator.

Fans and critics noted that Mikkelsen’s performance better aligned with the idea of a younger Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) having been in love with him, emphasizing a sophisticated, intellectual threat rather than sheer madness.

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Jessica Williams as Professor Eulalie "Lally" Hicks

Jessica Williams, who had a brief cameo in the previous film, stepped into a major role in The Secrets of Dumbledore as Professor Eulalie "Lally" Hicks. Lally is a powerful Charms professor at Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the United States and a key ally recruited by Dumbledore.

Her character was praised for bringing a new, strong magical presence to the team, acting as a crucial bridge between the American and European wizarding communities. Williams herself noted that her character was inspired by the strength of Venus and Serena Williams.

Behind-the-Scenes: The Controversies and Character Arcs

The production of Fantastic Beasts 3 was heavily affected by several high-profile controversies, which ultimately shaped the final film and its reception. Addressing these elements is essential for a complete understanding of the cast and the film's legacy.

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The Grindelwald Recasting Drama

The decision to replace Johnny Depp with Mads Mikkelsen came after Depp lost a libel case against a British tabloid that had referred to him as a "wife beater." Warner Bros. asked Depp to resign from the role in November 2020.

Mikkelsen was quickly brought in to film the part, leading to a noticeable change in the villain’s appearance and demeanor. This recasting, alongside other controversies involving writer J.K. Rowling and actor Ezra Miller, placed a significant spotlight on the film’s production.

Key Character Resolutions in The Secrets of Dumbledore

The film provided crucial, long-awaited resolutions for several key characters, giving the cast significant emotional material to work with:

• Queenie Goldstein’s Return: Alison Sudol’s character, who defected to Grindelwald's side in the previous film, finally saw her arc conclude. She realizes the true nature of Grindelwald's tyranny and returns to her love, the No-Maj Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), in a deeply emotional reunion.
• Credence Barebone’s Fate: Ezra Miller’s character, revealed to be Aurelius Dumbledore, faces a tragic end. After a climactic duel, Credence is revealed to be dying from the strain of his Obscurus. He is finally reunited with his biological father, Aberforth Dumbledore (Richard Coyle), before succumbing to his illness. This provided a definitive, if heartbreaking, conclusion to his journey.
• The Dumbledore-Grindelwald Duel: The film finally features the long-anticipated duel between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald, culminating in the destruction of their Blood Pact and a temporary halt to Grindelwald’s world domination plans.

The Star Power: Biographies of the Lead Fantastic Beasts 3 Cast

The three central figures driving the narrative are played by some of the most decorated actors in modern cinema. Their collective talent anchored the film amidst the external drama.

Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander)

Eddie Redmayne OBE is an English actor whose career spans acclaimed stage and screen work. He is an Academy Award-winner, taking home the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything (2014).

His other notable roles include Marius Pontmercy in Les Misérables and Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl. Redmayne also holds a Tony Award and a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA), making him one of the most decorated actors of his generation.

Jude Law (Albus Dumbledore)

David Jude Law is an English actor known for his versatility and striking performances across various genres. He gained international recognition and a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999).

Law has also received nominations for two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and two Tony Awards. Beyond the Wizarding World, he is famous for roles in films like Closer, Sherlock Holmes, and Contagion.

Mads Mikkelsen (Gellert Grindelwald)

Mads Dittmann Mikkelsen is a Danish actor who is one of Denmark's most famous international stars. He is renowned for playing complex, often antagonistic roles with a distinct, cold charisma.

Internationally, Mikkelsen is best known for his roles as the villain Le Chiffre in the James Bond film Casino Royale (2006) and as Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the critically acclaimed television series Hannibal (2013–2015). His casting in Fantastic Beasts 3 was a major coup for the franchise, bringing an established, critically respected star to the controversial role.

The Fantastic Beasts 4 Status: Is the Cast Returning?

The most pressing question for fans of the Fantastic Beasts 3 cast is whether they will ever reunite for a fourth installment. The original plan for the prequel saga was to span five films, but the current outlook is uncertain.

As of late 2025, the Fantastic Beasts franchise is officially on "pause."

The film's performance at the box office, which was the lowest-grossing entry in the entire Wizarding World series, combined with the various controversies surrounding the production and cast (including Ezra Miller's legal issues), led Warner Bros. to halt development on the remaining two planned films.

While actors like Jude Law have expressed hope for a continuation, the studio has shifted its focus to other Wizarding World projects, including the upcoming Harry Potter television series reboot.

For now, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore remains the final chapter, leaving the fate of Newt Scamander, Albus Dumbledore, and the rest of the beloved cast in a state of indefinite suspension.