Wands Ready

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” explores a darker Wizarding World

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Newt+Scamander+in+action

WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Wizard Newt Scamander prepares for action against Grindelwald in “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.”

By Trisha Khaownimon

The Wizarding World just got darker again.

Following the events of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is an upcoming sequel that will premiere in theaters on Nov. 16.

Set in the 1920s, the powerful dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald escapes custody and pursues his initial plan: to raise pure-blood wizards and witches to rule over the muggles, non-magical human beings. Utilizing his wand and collection of magical creatures, Newt Scamander agrees to help Hogwarts Professor Albus Dumbledore put an end to Grindelwald’s terror.

The final trailer provides a glimpse of a young Dumbledore recruiting Scamander to maintain peace in the wizarding community. It also features returning characters, including Jacob Kowalski, Tina Goldstein, Queenie Goldstein and Credence Barebone.

The footage also displays characters from Scamander’s past, including his brother, Theseus Scamander, and his former love interest, Leta Lestrange, who appears to be siding with Grindelwald.

There is also a sneak peek of a popular “Harry Potter” character named Nagini, a shapeshifter and Lord Voldemort’s evil snake companion.

Created by “Harry Potter” veteran director David Yates, “The Crimes of Grindelwald” stars Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein, Dan Folger as Jacob Kowalski, Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein, Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone, Callum Turner as Theseus Scamander, Zoë Kravitz as Leta Lestrange, Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore and Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald.