"Fantastic Beasts" Franchise Put on Indefinite Pause, Director David Yates Confirms

Franchise's future uncertain following disappointing box office performance of "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore" and controversies surrounding key cast member and creator J.K. Rowling.

The 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise is on an indefinite pause, according to its director, David Yates. The future of the franchise remains uncertain due to the disappointing performance of the third film 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' and controversies surrounding key cast members and the creator, J.K. Rowling.
Yates revealed that the idea of a five-film series came as a surprise to most of the creative team, spontaneously announced by Rowling during a press screening for the first 'Fantastic Beasts' film. So far, only three films of the expected five have been produced.
The most recent film, 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,' marked the franchise's lowest box office opening and continued to score the lowest grossing figures among the three films.
Due to the low earning figures and critical feedback, Yates says the franchise just needed to stop, pause and take it easy, implying a hiatus from further production or confirmation of more sequels.
Question marks surround the future of the franchise, and no 'in-depth conversations' have occurred regarding a fourth film among key figures including Warner Bros., J.K. Rowling or 'Fantastic Beasts' and 'Harry Potter' producer David Heyman.