The Fantastic Beasts series may be in trouble. The Secrets of Dumbledore is looking to hit a record-low opening weekend for a Wizarding World film. Variety reports that the movie only hit $20.1 million on Friday night, the lowest opening-day figure for any film related to Harry Potter. Industry analysts project that the film will only gross $40 million over the weekend. While this is not disastrous, it’s a disappointing revenue for a franchise that typically dominates the box office. The film faced a few obstacles that many were already aware of, including people who weren’t happy about Johnny Depp being replaced by Mads Mikkelsen, controversial statements by J.K. Rowling, and a sour taste left by the disappointing Crimes of Grindelwald.
Other Factors Harming The Secrets of Dumbledore’s Opening
Other factors have contributed to The Secrets of Dumbledore’s disappointing opening, including issues surrounding actor Ezra Miller. The actor’s troubling behavior on the set of The Flash delayed the film, and he was recently arrested in Hawaii for disorderly has led to criminal charges. Miller is listed among the reasons Entertainment Weekly calls the Fantastic Beasts series the most cursed in Hollywood.
Depp has also been a polarizing part of the Fantastic Beasts series facing troubles. Initially, the allegations of abuse by ex-wife Amber Heard had people demanding his firing. However, now Johnny Depp has garnered much support from fans who believe the allegations are false, and they don’t want to see the movie without him. Depp is presently in court suing Heard for defamation.
The Fantastic Beasts Series Biggest Setback
However, the biggest issue that harms the franchise is likely that most fans find it underwhelming. While the first Fantastic Beasts film was a hit at the box office, most viewers found it disappointing compared to the Harry Potter films. The second film’s controversy harmed it before it opened, and a disappointing story only worsened things. While this film is not failing critically on the same level as the previous entry, the reviews are mixed, with few fans calling it the best Wizarding world film
Two more films are planned for the Fantastic Beasts franchise after The Secrets of Dumbledore, though neither has been greenlit. The franchise’s future may depend on this film making a remarkable improvement.
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