<P> In October 2014, Warner Bros. Pictures announced the film as "at least" a trilogy with the first instalment set to be released on 18 November 2016 followed by the second instalment on 16 November 2018 and the third instalment on 20 November 2020 . David Yates was confirmed to direct at least the first instalment of the series . </P> <P> In July 2016, Yates confirmed that J.K. Rowling had written the screenplay for the second film and had ideas for the third . Yates talked to Entertainment Weekly about the second film, saying "we've seen the script for Part 2, for the second movie, which takes the story in a whole new direction--as you should, you don't want to repeat yourself . The second movie introduces new characters as she builds this part of the Harry Potter universe further . It's a very interesting development from where we start out . The work is pouring out of her ." In October 2016, it was reported that the Fantastic Beasts film series would comprise five films, with the second film setting in another global capital city, and Eddie Redmayne would be returning to all films to play the lead role of Newt Scamander . Yates would also return to direct the sequel with producers Rowling, David Heyman, Steve Kloves, and Lionel Wigram . </P> <P> On 1 November 2016, Deadline Hollywood reported that Johnny Depp had been cast in the film . Depp's casting received criticism by some fans, based on his previous involvement in domestic violence allegations . J.K. Rowling posted on her website that she would not reconsider recasting because Depp and his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, had previously expressed hope that the mutual agreement would enable both to move on from the controversy and that "the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting, but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies ." About Rowling's response, Depp later said, "I'll be honest with you, I felt bad for J.K. having to field all these various feelings from people out there . I felt bad that she had to take that . But ultimately, there is real controversy . The fact remains I was falsely accused...J.K. has seen the evidence and therefore knows I was falsely accused, and that's why she has publicly supported me . She doesn't take things lightly . She would not stand up if she didn't know the truth . So that's really it ." </P> <P> Jude Law was cast as Albus Dumbledore after director David Yates decided that the role should be played by a younger actor, not Michael Gambon (who played the role in six of the Harry Potter films). A number of other actors were considered, including Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Strong, and Jared Harris (son of Richard Harris, who played Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films). </P>

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