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Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 134 min · English
Echo score 30
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Directed by
David Yates
Starring
Kamil Lemieszewski, Ezra Miller, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Zoë Kravitz, Carmen Ejogo, Jude Law
Budget
$200M

As Grindelwald’s influence grows, Albus Dumbledore enlists the help of Newt Scamander to try and stop him. Unbeknownst to Dumbledore, this mission sets them on a dangerous path. The wizarding world is fractured, and allegiances are challenged as love and loyalty are put to the test among friends and family. Newt finds himself navigating complex relationships and uncovering long-held secrets that could destabilize the magical world.

Adventure Fantasy Family Cast, crew & box office
On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Character relationship map
  4. 4 Where & when it takes place
  5. 5 Themes & meaning (3)
  6. 6 Character & meaning questions
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Every angle
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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Newt Scamander

    played by Eddie Redmayne

    Newt Scamander is a passionate magizoologist with a deep empathy for magical creatures. His reluctance to engage in conflicts becomes a central trait, showcasing his introspective nature. Despite his timid demeanor, he exhibits bravery when protecting those he cares about, illustrating a hero's heart beneath his quirky exterior.

    • 🧙‍♂️ Wizard
    • 📚 Magizoologist
    • 🌍 Protector

  • Credence Barebone

    played by Ezra Miller

    Credence Barebone is a tormented young man struggling to piece together his identity amidst chaos. His character embodies vulnerability and the quest for belonging, making him a tragic figure in the story. As secrets about his lineage unfold, his journey becomes increasingly pivotal to the outstanding conflict.

    • 💔 Lost
    • 🔍 Seeker
    • 🐍 Transformative

  • Leta Lestrange

    played by Zoë Kravitz

    Leta Lestrange is a complex character marked by her tragic past and troubled relations. Her deep connection to both Newt and Credence illuminates her central role in the unfolding drama. She grapples with guilt and responsibility, leading to sacrificial choices that profoundly impact the narrative.

    • 💔 Tragic
    • 🔮 Enigmatic
    • 🌊 Sacrificial

  • Gellert Grindelwald

    played by Johnny Depp

    Gellert Grindelwald is the dark wizard whose ambitions for power drive much of the conflict. Charismatic yet manipulative, he leverages the fears of others to garner support for his cause. A stark representation of corrupted ideals, he poses a significant threat to peace in the wizarding world.

    • 🖤 Dark Wizard
    • ⚡️ Charismatic
    • 🌪️ Manipulative

Last updated: October 27, 2026 at 08:04

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8 characters · 8 connections · contains spoilers

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Character Relationship Map

Who is connected to whom in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: family, love, friendships, rivalries and hidden ties, colour-coded. Pick a character to see their side of the story, or a connection to see what brings two characters together.

How much of the story to show
NSNewt ScamanderEddie RedmayneLLLeta LestrangeZoë KravitzTSTheseusScamanderGGGellertGrindelwaldJohnny DeppADAlbusDumbledoreCBCredenceBareboneEzra MillerYKYusuf KamaGGGunnar Grimmson

Last updated: October 27, 2026 at 08:04

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Setting

Where and When Does Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Take Place?

The setting of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1927

Set in 1927, this period is marked by the tumultuous rise of dark magic and the tensions within the wizarding community regarding power and control. The post-World War I environment influences the societal backdrop, promoting themes of loyalty and betrayal. The narrative reflects a deeper struggle between light and dark magic as allegiances are tested.

Location

1927, London, Paris, Hogwarts, Nurmengard Castle

The movie unfolds in several key locations including London and Paris, both vibrant cities rich in history and culture. London serves as an epicenter for magical bureaucracy, while Paris becomes a backdrop for danger and secrets within the wizarding world. Hogwarts remains a cherished site, representing the roots of magic education. Nurmengard Castle is associated with Grindelwald, adding a foreboding sense of danger.

  • 🌍 Locations
  • 🏰 Magic
  • 🇬🇧 London

Last updated: October 27, 2026 at 08:04

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3 major themes

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Conflict

    Conflict runs through every layer of the story, highlighting the clashes between good and evil. The characters grapple with personal and external battles, especially in their loyalty to different leaders and ideologies. The struggle for power is palpable, leading to significant moral dilemmas that affect personal connections and overarching destinies.

  • Love and Sacrifice

    Love and sacrifice are central to the characters' motivations and actions. The relationships explored in the film demonstrate how love can lead to both uplifting connections and heartbreaking decisions. Characters make profound sacrifices for one another, revealing the complexities and dangers intertwined with their emotional bonds and commitments.

  • Magic and Identity

    The theme of magic intertwines with personal identity, as many characters face questions about who they are and where they belong. This exploration highlights how magical abilities affect self-perception and the perceptions of others. Credence's evolving identity is crucial, revealing deeper ties to significant families in the wizarding world.

Last updated: October 27, 2026 at 08:04

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Character & theme questions

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald set?

The movie primarily takes place in London and Paris in 1927. London serves as the center of magical bureaucracy, while Paris becomes a dangerous backdrop for secrets within the wizarding world. Hogwarts also appears as a cherished location representing magical education roots, and Nurmengard Castle is associated with Grindelwald, adding a foreboding sense of danger.

  • london
  • paris
  • hogwarts
  • nurmengard
  • setting
  • wizarding world
Q2

What year is the movie set in and why does it matter?

The movie is set in 1927, a period marked by the rise of dark magic and tensions within the wizarding community about power and control. This post-World War I era creates a societal backdrop that promotes themes of loyalty and betrayal, reflecting a deeper struggle between light and dark magic.

  • 1927
  • time period
  • post-war
  • wizarding history
Q3

What are the main themes in The Crimes of Grindelwald?

The film centers on three major themes: Conflict, which highlights the clashes between good and evil and the moral dilemmas affecting personal connections; Love and Sacrifice, where characters make profound sacrifices revealing the complexities of emotional bonds; and Magic and Identity, exploring how magical abilities affect self-perception and belonging, particularly through Credence's evolving identity.

  • themes
  • conflict
  • love
  • sacrifice
  • magic
  • identity
Q4

Who is Credence Barebone and why is he important?

Credence Barebone is a tormented young man struggling with his identity amidst chaos. He is an Obscurial, someone whose repressed magical abilities manifest destructively. His quest for belonging makes him a tragic figure whose lineage secrets tie him to significant wizarding families, making him pivotal to the overall conflict.

  • credence
  • obscurial
  • identity
  • lestrange family
Q5

What is the relationship between Newt Scamander and Albus Dumbledore?

Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt Scamander to help stop Gellert Grindelwald, revealing a deep trust in Newt's abilities despite his reluctance to engage in conflicts. Newt's loyalty to Dumbledore sets him on a dangerous path, and their relationship is complicated by a blood pact that prevents Dumbledore from confronting Grindelwald directly.

  • dumbledore
  • newt
  • mentor
  • trust
  • mission
Q6

What motivates Gellert Grindelwald in this film?

Gellert Grindelwald is driven by ambitious desires for power and control over the wizarding world. Charismatic and manipulative, he leverages others' fears to gather support for his cause. He represents corrupted ideals and poses a significant threat to peace, advocating for wizard supremacy over non-magical people.

  • grindelwald
  • power
  • dark wizard
  • manipulation
  • wizard supremacy
Q7

What is Leta Lestrange's role in the story?

Leta Lestrange is a complex character with a tragic past and troubled relationships. She shares deep connections with both Newt and Credence, illuminating her central role in the unfolding drama. She grapples with guilt and responsibility, ultimately making sacrificial choices that profoundly impact the narrative and the story's bittersweet tone.

  • leta
  • lestrange
  • tragic past
  • sacrifice
  • newt
  • credence
Q8

What is the blood pact between Dumbledore and Grindelwald?

The blood pact is a magical binding agreement made in their youth between Dumbledore and Grindelwald that prevents them from fighting each other. This pact is a central element explaining why Dumbledore cannot directly confront Grindelwald and must instead enlist Newt for the mission, adding layers of complexity to their relationship.

  • blood pact
  • dumbledore
  • grindelwald
  • magical bond
Q9

Why is the wizarding world fractured in this film?

The wizarding world is fractured due to Grindelwald's growing influence and his propaganda about wizard supremacy. Tensions rise as characters choose sides between loyalty to the magical community and Grindelwald's radical vision. These divisions test friendships and family bonds, creating a world where allegiances are constantly challenged.

  • wizarding world
  • fractured
  • division
  • allegiances
  • grindelwald
Q10

What defines Newt Scamander as a character?

Newt Scamander is a passionate magizoologist with deep empathy for magical creatures. His reluctance to engage in conflicts showcases his introspective nature, but he exhibits bravery when protecting those he cares about. Despite his timid demeanor, he possesses a hero's heart beneath his quirky exterior, making him an unlikely but effective defender of the wizarding world.

  • newt
  • magizoologist
  • creatures
  • brave
  • introvert

Movie threads

More Movies Like Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Epic Fantasy Political Thrillers like Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Epic magical conflicts where political allegiances and personal loyalties fracture. Explore movies like Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, where intricate magical worlds face political collapse. If you enjoyed the complex web of allegiances and the threat of a wizard war, these similar fantasy stories with high-stakes conflict and moral ambiguity are perfect for you.

  • ominous
  • urgent
  • fractured
  • mysterious
  • high-stakes
  • epic
  • Tone: dark, ominous, tense
  • Pacing: fast, urgent
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically involve a sprawling, established world where a charismatic and dangerous antagonist seeks to overthrow the existing order. The plot follows an ensemble cast of heroes, often with complicated pasts and conflicting loyalties, as they race to uncover secrets and forge alliances to prevent a cataclysmic conflict, all while navigating a landscape of shifting truths and betrayals.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a specific blend of high-fantasy world-building with the tension of a political thriller. They feature a dark tone, fast pacing driven by urgent stakes, and a complex narrative structure that explores themes of power, loyalty, and the moral costs of preventing war.

Day Watch movie poster

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2007
Underground movie poster

Underground

1997
Fantasy Island movie poster

Fantasy Island

1000
Psychic Wars movie poster

Psychic Wars

1991
The Deluge movie poster

The Deluge

1974
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald movie poster

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

2018
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms movie poster

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Dark City movie poster

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1998

Dramas with Secret Identities and Fractured Loyalties like Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Characters haunted by hidden pasts and torn between love and duty. Find movies like Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald that revolve around shocking secret identities and tragic family betrayals. If you were captivated by Credence's mysterious origin and Leta Lestrange's haunted past, these films with heavy emotional weight and bittersweet endings will resonate.

  • tragic
  • anxious
  • melancholic
  • secretive
  • betrayal
  • haunted
  • Tone: tragic, melancholic, dark
  • Pacing: steady, reveals-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a central mystery surrounding a character's true origins or a buried family secret. As this truth is slowly uncovered, it forces characters to re-evaluate their relationships and allegiances, leading to profound personal sacrifices and bittersweet conclusions where some bonds are broken forever, even if a greater threat is momentarily halted.

Why they belong together: These films are connected by their intense focus on personal tragedy and the destructive power of secrets. They share a heavy emotional weight, a dark and melancholic tone, and a plot-driven by revelations that test the very foundations of love and loyalty, resulting in a poignant, bittersweet atmosphere.

Where Love Has Gone movie poster

Where Love Has Gone

1964
Triads: The Inside Story movie poster

Triads: The Inside Story

1989
Thieves movie poster

Thieves

1996
Fateful Findings movie poster

Fateful Findings

2013
Accidents Happen movie poster

Accidents Happen

2009
True Legend movie poster

True Legend

2011
Inheritance movie poster

Inheritance

2025
House of Strangers movie poster

House of Strangers

1949

Every angle

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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