"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," released in 2018, received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While it grossed over $654 million worldwide, making it a financial success, it fell short of the expectations set by its predecessor, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them." The film faced criticism for its convoluted plot and character development. Ultimately, it can be considered a hit in terms of box office numbers, but a disappointment in terms of critical reception and audience satisfaction.

Johnny Depp was replaced as Gellert Grindelwald in "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore" due to the fallout from his highly publicized legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. Following a libel trial in the UK, Depp faced significant backlash, leading to concerns about his involvement in the franchise. Warner Bros. requested that he step down, and he ultimately left the role. Mads Mikkelsen was then cast to portray Grindelwald in the third installment of the series.

As of October 2023, "Fantastic Beasts 4 and 5" have not been officially canceled, but their future is uncertain. Following the underwhelming performance of "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" and its sequel, "The Secrets of Dumbledore," there has been no formal announcement regarding the development or production of the next installments. Warner Bros. has shifted its focus to other Harry Potter-related projects, leaving fans in speculation about the continuation of the Fantastic Beasts series.

In "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," it is suggested that Credence Barebone may be a long-lost brother of Albus Dumbledore, specifically a character named Aurelius Dumbledore. This claim is made by Gellert Grindelwald, but the truth of this connection remains ambiguous and controversial within the story. The film leaves it open to interpretation, and the official canon has not definitively confirmed Aurelius's identity as a Dumbledore sibling.