The ending of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has left fans with numerous questions about the future of the franchise, while introducing exciting new concepts. As a prequel and spin-off from the immensely popular Harry Potter series, this film follows the adventures of Newt Scamander, a Magizoologist, as he embarks on a journey to New York and becomes entangled in a dangerous game of dark magic that poses a threat to the entire Wizarding World. Being the first installment in a series, Fantastic Beasts intentionally leaves its ending open and ambiguous, teasing a continuation of the story and leaving fans eager for answers.
Is Credence Still Alive?
One of the main unanswered questions in Fantastic Beasts revolves around the fate of Credence Barebone, a secondary antagonist in the film. Credence’s character is full of twists and surprises, with the revelation of his status as an Obscurial being one of the most significant. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that Credence has a dark and complicated past, manifesting as a powerful and destructive dark magic that wreaks havoc in New York. In an attempt to stop Credence’s rampage, a group of Aurors from MACUSA seemingly kill him after he loses control of his powers.
However, there is a shot in the film that suggests Credence may have survived. Following the battle that seemingly led to his demise, Newt Scamander spots Credence’s Obscurus floating away in the distance. Since an Obscurus cannot survive without its host, this shot implies that Credence may still be alive somewhere. Although Credence’s existence was never mentioned in the Harry Potter series, this revelation hints at his continued involvement in the story and raises questions about his whereabouts and potential alliance with Grindelwald in the future.
What Is an Obscurial?
While Fantastic Beasts introduces the concept of Obscurials, there is not much explanation provided about their nature and origins. The only character who possesses extensive knowledge about Obscurials is Newt Scamander himself, who keeps a captured Obscurus alongside his collection of magical creatures. Obscurials are depicted as dangerous entities formed through repression and neglect. They are created when a magical child is forced to suppress their true self and emotions, resulting in the manifestation of a dark and uncontrollable power. In Credence’s case, his time with Mary Lou Barebone, a character known for her abusive treatment of children, played a crucial role in the development of his Obscurial nature.
Obscurials can be seen as a representation of abuse, trauma, and mental health issues. They embody the struggles faced by individuals who do not fit societal norms and face suppression due to their magical abilities. By understanding Obscurials as visual representations of the darkness experienced by characters like Credence, audiences can empathize with their struggles and view them as complex and relatable figures. The addition of Obscurials brings a fascinating and thought-provoking element to the Fantastic Beasts universe.
The Mystery of Percival Graves
Throughout Fantastic Beasts, the character of Percival Graves, portrayed by Colin Farrell, serves as a significant presence. In a surprising twist, Graves is revealed to be Grindelwald in disguise during the final act of the film. This revelation raises questions about the real Percival Graves and what might have happened to him. Although the film does not provide a clear explanation, it is likely that Graves was killed by Grindelwald long before the events of the plot unfolded. Graves’ absence in the subsequent Fantastic Beasts sequels suggests that he does not serve a larger role in the story and was simply another victim of Grindelwald’s ruthless pursuit of power.
This revelation showcases Grindelwald’s cunning and emphasizes his status as the most dangerous wizard in the world at that time. It also highlights his lack of empathy for Graves’ fate and the ease with which he assumes the identity of others. Grindelwald’s disregard for human life and his readiness to manipulate others set him up as a formidable enemy for the heroes and foreshadow the challenges they will face in future installments.
Introducing Leta Lestrange
While Leta Lestrange is only briefly mentioned in Fantastic Beasts, her name immediately strikes a chord with Harry Potter fans. As a new character in the Wizarding World, Leta’s surname connects her to Bellatrix Lestrange, one of Voldemort’s loyal followers. Though the specifics of her relation to the Lestrange family are not revealed, it raises suspicions about her potential ties to future Death Eaters. However, the fact that Newt Scamander carries a picture of Leta suggests that she may not be all bad, indicating a deeper connection and unresolved history between the two characters.
Leta and Newt both attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry during the same period and seemingly shared a close bond, possibly even a romantic relationship. Newt’s reluctance to discuss Leta implies that there is a complicated history between them, which is likely to be explored further in upcoming movies. This also introduces questions about Newt’s feelings for Tina, another significant character, and how the return of his old friend might complicate their relationship. The inclusion of a Lestrange character provides a bridge between the Fantastic Beasts story and the events of the Harry Potter series, hinting at future connections and potential plot developments.
The Significance of Fantastic Beasts’ Ending
Regardless of whether there will be another Fantastic Beasts movie, the first installment successfully sets the stage for the future of this captivating universe. The film introduces intriguing new elements and storylines that leave audiences eager to uncover the answers to the questions raised. The menacing presence of Grindelwald establishes him as the grand villain of the franchise, while Credence’s survival adds layers of mystery and anticipation regarding his future role. Additionally, the concept of Obscurials expands the rich lore of the Harry Potter series, providing a deeper exploration of magical beings and their connection to real-world struggles.
Beyond the magical creatures and thrilling action, Fantastic Beasts conveys a powerful message about the importance of friendship and compassion. The downfall of Grindelwald is ultimately brought about by his lack of empathy, while the heroes’ united front and support for one another play a pivotal role in their triumph. The ending of Fantastic Beasts reinforces the notion that, no matter how much darkness, trauma, and suppression one faces, having the right support system is always more powerful than facing challenges alone.
Conclusion
As fans eagerly await the future of the Harry Potter franchise, the ending of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them leaves them with an array of unanswered questions and exciting possibilities. The film successfully introduces new characters and concepts while laying the foundation for future storylines. From the fate of Credence and the nature of Obscurials to the mysteries surrounding Percival Graves and the significance of Leta Lestrange, each element contributes to the rich tapestry of the Wizarding World. With its underlying themes of friendship and compassion, Fantastic Beasts offers a meaningful and magical cinematic experience that captivates audiences and sparks their imaginations.
FAQs
- Will there be another Fantastic Beasts movie?
- While there hasn’t been an official announcement, plans for additional Fantastic Beasts movies have been discussed, and fans are eagerly awaiting news.
- What are the connections between Fantastic Beasts and the Harry Potter series?
- Fantastic Beasts serves as a prequel/spin-off to the Harry Potter series, exploring the Wizarding World’s history and introducing new characters and storylines.
- Are Obscurials mentioned in the Harry Potter books?
- Obscurials are not explicitly mentioned in the Harry Potter books but are introduced and explored in the Fantastic Beasts movies as a new concept.
- Will we learn more about Leta Lestrange in future movies?
- It is highly likely that future movies will delve deeper into Leta Lestrange’s character and her connections to the larger Wizarding World.
- How does the ending of Fantastic Beasts reflect the themes of the film?
- The ending emphasizes the importance of friendship and compassion in overcoming challenges, reinforcing the film’s underlying themes and messages.