The sequel reveals that he is the illegitimate son of Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus's brother. At another point, Credence reaches out to his father and states that he wants to come home. GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Most Obscurials die young, consumed by the uncontrollable force, but Credence proves to be an exceptional case. Until now, though, their relationship hasn't been so explicitly addressed in either the books or the movies.

Grindelwald's ultimate goal is for wizarding folk to essentially rule over muggles and No-Majs, as he regards them as lesser than wizards. "I can't be certain it wasn't my spell," Albus tells Newt tearfully, as he remembers that fateful day, and Newt tries to comfort his former professor by claiming that Ariana an obscurial like Credence who would have presumably suffered an early, agonising death had she lived was spared from any future pain in that moment. Dumbledore and Newt's plan is strictly need-to-know due to Grindelwald being a seer. Then you have Harry's uncle Sirius Black, first introduced as a criminal, and Severus Snape, Harry's mean Potions professor and literal Death Eater, who is actually revealed to be a double agent and winds up a hero. Please refresh the page and try again. But in the years between the events of that film and those in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, she learned the hard way that that was not the case. As suspected, the 'Dumbledore' in the title doesn't just mean Albus; it refers to Aberforth and Credence (or Aurelius, as he was originally known), too. It's disappointing that her arc feels pretty glossed over, but with so much going on, it's hardly surprising. An Obscurial is a young wizard or witch who has developed a dark parasitical magical force, known as an Obscurus, as a result of their magic being suppressed through psychological or physical abuse. It's in the 2nd movie. Newt and Dumbledore's plan definitely operates outside of government guidelines, so she may not have wanted to jeopardize her new job. With another decade to depict between now and the duel, it had better get a move on. You don't expect to see to much injustice in a magical world with several resources to solve a crime, Nobody wanted to prove Sirius innocent. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, on the other hand, wraps itself up quite nicely. I am a freelance Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering all things TV and film across our Total Film and SFX sections. Aberforth's first message to Credence is heartbreaking, and simply reads, "Forgive me", while Credence's later response asks: "Do you know what it's like to be alone?" Sirius' family is bad, he's probably bad and it's nearly home time! That said, we must remember that the events of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore happen 60-odd years before the events of the first Harry Potter, so perhaps Dumbledore was once pure but grew weary and darker as time went on.

In Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore's opening scene, Dumbledore and Grindelwald acknowledge the blood oath they made when they were younger, which prompts them to openly admit that they were once "committed" to one another, and madly in love. You would be forgiven for missing a moment or two. Tina will be back, we're just not certain how back she'll be. He cannot bear the fact that he and his magical peers have to live in the shadows because of them.

While it's not explicitly stated in the movie, The Secrets of Dumbledore is believed to be set in the mid-1930s, which means that the series has covered ten years in its existing three movies. If we're building up to Grindelwald versus Dumbledore, then Fantastic Beasts 4 is going to have to jump forward in time quite significantly.

Each of the wizards walks away safely, but with the oath now broken, it paves the way for their fateful face-off in 1945. Towards the beginning, Theseus asks Newt where Tina is and wonders why she isn't helping them take down Grindelwald. Aberforth and Credence are seen exchanging messages to each other via mirrors. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. It's clear that Aberforth's guilt weighs heavily on him.

It's likely that the term 'mugwump' was inspired by the Mugwumps, a group of 19th Century politicians in the US who were against political corruption. Back then, series creator J.K Rowling and director David Yates seemingly stood firmer on their mapped-out, five-film plan for the saga, and teased more to come with the reveal that Ezra Millers Credence is actually a Dumbledore. Tina is a stickler for the rules, a character trait that became apparent in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them when she tried to report Newt to MACUSA for breaking several laws. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Towards the end of The Secrets of Dumbledore, Grindelwald publicly tortures Jacob using the Cruciatus curse and accuses him and Queenie of weakening the wizarding world through their relationship, pointing out that they would have half-blood children. Here's our guide to when Fantastic Beasts 3 is on HBO Max. The bow does make sense with continuity as well Dumbledore eventually becomes the Supreme Mugwump, and this bow will no doubt play a role in him being elected to the position.

It may also come from the Algonquin word 'mugguomp', meaning 'person of importance' or 'war leader'. Pretty much everyone thought he was the secret keeper so they had no reason to think he wasnt guilty. There's been much speculation as to why Waterston's role in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is so small. There was a problem. Its likely relevant that Credence is a Dumbledore, too, and since Grindelwald shot first, hes the one at fault. As you might expect, major Fantastic Beasts 3 spoilers ahead so click away now if you've yet to see the movie and don't want to know anything in advance. And I think that's why Sirius arc frustrates so many readers. Welcome to r/HarryPotter, the place where fans from around the world can meet and discuss everything in the Harry Potter universe! We break down the surprisingly neat ending to the confusing Harry Potter spin-off. Before he can be captured, he deliberately falls backward and, as his spell breaks, he apparates mid-air. Blaming Credence for the failure of his mission, an incensed Grindewald goes to kill him. When it bows in front of him (rather than Santos or Liu), those in attendance are fooled into thinking that the beast is signaling Grindelwald's purity and vote him into office. Press J to jump to the feed. The first, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, left things fairly open-ended, while its sequel, The Crimes of Grindelwald, concluded with the reveal that Credence was a Dumbledore so we knew that another movie was on the way.

Fortunately for everyone outside of Team Grindelwald, his hate-filled speech is interrupted by the arrival of Bunty with the second qilin, and when the creature bows to Dumbledore and Santos, he instantly loses the support of those in attendance. In his lifetime, he stood against two of the darkest wizards in history: Grindelwald and Voldemort. His disdain for those who don't (regularly) wield wands is never more evident than when he calls Jacob up right after he's named Supreme Head, and accuses him of trying to dilute pureblood bloodlines by striking up a romance with witch Queenie Goldstein.

Later, Dumbledore reiterates to Theseus that he made the pact due to love and tells Newt that he and Grindelwald had once planned to run away together, much to the disapproval of his brother Aberforth. (See Harry in Order of the Phoenix). But how does the movie itself explain her absence?

Many fans think it's because she seemingly spoke out against J. K. Rowling's controversial comments on transgender issues, while others have highlighted that the actor became very ill with COVID-19 during the pandemic, and claimed that they might have chosen to film without her. Tina's only appearance in the movie, aside from a couple of glimpses at Newt's moving photo of her, is right at the end, when she bumps into the magizoologist at her sister Queenie's wedding. But Dumbledore and his brother Aberforth (Richard Coyle), who was revealed to be Credence's father, intercept his deadly spell. Ive only seen the first movie and I can't remember this. After all, Harry himself was close to being made a Slytherin at Hogwarts, which might have set him on a darker path but due to his protestation, the Sorting Hat placed him in Gryffindor instead. In retaliation, Dumbledore drew his, while Grindelwald laughed off the brothers' quarrel. Yet, here we are. You will receive a verification email shortly. Kinda like Life on Mars, You're right. Newt tells the gang that Tina is currently very busy at MACUSA the Magical Congress of the United States of America having recently been made head of its Auror Office, and is therefore unable to tag along. The obvious answer is that the concept of a history spell didnt exist when the Harry Potter books were written.

Earlier on, Newt is attacked by Credence (Ezra Miller) and Grindelwald's other cronies while he assists in the birth of a wild qilin, a deer-like creature that we learn later has the ability to see into a person's soul and determine whether they are pure of heart. It's a shame, then, that the Fantastic Beasts franchise seems beholden to a more binary sense of morality, and that Fantastic Beasts 3 features a creature that can tell whether someone is wholly good or not.

That said, it's revealed in Fantastic Beasts 3 that he is dying, symbolized by the fact that his phoenix companion is slowly burning away to ash.

The loophole kind of works for the end of the movie, but what doesn't really add up is that Dumbledore was heavily behind all of Newt and the gang's plans, and therefore was having thoughts of being traitorous to Grindelwald the whole time. In Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Queenie (Alison Sudol) turns to the dark side after Grindelwald delivers a rousing speech about how he would free witches and wizards, and allow them to live without rules and restrictions. At the end of The Crimes of Grindelwald, Credence learns through Grindelwald that he is a Dumbledore. They wanted a solution and they found one. "Who will love you now, Dumbledore?!" Grindelwald then riles the crowd by exposing Jacob as the one who tried to "assassinate" him at the candidates' dinner, and exclaims that the wizarding world's war with the muggles "begins today". After watching Newt walk back to the bakery, and Bunty rock up to the cheers of her pals, a contemplative Dumbledore gets up from his perch and strolls down the snowy street. Dumbledore insists that the little creature pick another, as he has no interest in being the Supreme Head, and eventually, when the qilin bows for Santos, she is elected instead. It's doubtful that someone completely pure of heart would have been able to get the same results as Dumbledore they might have been too weak but to describe him as such doesn't feel right. If you've just got back from the cinema and found yourself not able to make a hippogriff's head or a niffler's tail of what you just watched, we've got you covered.

The sweet pair beam as they exchange a couple of compliments, which suggests that we're not done seeing these two who Potter fans already know get married fall in love. Things are more uncertain for Ezra Miller's ailing character Credence, who is in bad shape by the time the credits roll.

But due to the fact that Grindelwald is a seer, and mustnt be able to accurately predict how the team are going to take him down, Dumbledore, Newt, and co's scheme has to be purposefully confusing, which means that there's a lot going on and not all of it is particularly consequential, either.

Realizing how disastrous that would be for wizards and muggles alike, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) not able to fight Grindelwald himself enlists the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his assistant Bunty (Victoria Yeates), Newt's Auror brother Theseus (Callum Turner), No-Maj baker Jacob (Dan Fogler), Charms teacher Eulalie 'Lally' Hicks (Jessica Williams), and Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam) to stop the dark wizard from gaining too much power. He was succeeded byUagadougraduateBabajide Akingbade. Much like Grindelwald and Dumbledore being lovers, the death of Ariana Dumbledore is something Harry Potter fans are well aware of. Looking for more to watch Fantastic Beasts again on streaming? Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Realizing her romantic feelings for muggle baker Jacob, Queenie elected to stand with Grindelwald, as she thought he would prove to be a liberator for all magical people. Considering that she wasn't present in any of the film's promotional material in the UK and US, it's hardly surprising that Katherine Waterston isnt in Fantastic Beasts 3 all that much. At some point prior to July 31, 1991, Albus Dumbledorewas appointed Supreme Head, but was dismissed from the position when theMinistry of Magic claimed he was wrong about Lord Voldemort'sreturn. Peter Pettigrew isn't a particularly good wizard, so there's no way he's powerful or smart enough to make some counter spell to make a history spell useless.

The dark wizard then uses a variation of the Protego charm to shield himself, and levitates above a ledge. This prompts an almost dream-like wand fight between Dumbledore and Grindelwald, but when the pair feel each other's heartbeats during the brawl, their bubbling, mutual affection prevents them from harming one another and both walk away from the duel. Thank you for signing up to GamesRadar+. Dumbledore is a hero, we know that much. After Credence who is dying points out that the qilin that bowed to Grindelwald is actually dead, the living qilin trots around those present and eventually stops in front of Dumbledore, suggesting that is pure and therefore the right person to lead. The pact broke, however, whenthey fought at the election of the Supreme Head and both Albus and Aberforth's wands unite to save Credence. The Supreme Head of the International Confederation of Wizards referred to as the Supreme Mugwump in the books is a king or a queen-like figure who oversees everything that goes on within the wizarding world. So yes, it's finally, canonically, a fact that Grindelwald and Dumbledore were once lovers. New games for 2022 and beyond to add to your wishlist now, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, seemingly stood firmer on their mapped-out, five-film plan, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Razer Enki Pro Review: "Probably the most comfortable chair I have ever sat in", Logitech G Pro keyboard review: "a solid but lean experience by today's standards", Nexigo N970p review: "A sharpshooter for streamers and video conferencing", SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini review: "a new world of adjustable switches - but not for everyone", Joby Wavo POD review: "Compact but capable", Nope review: "A thrilled 'Yup!' He is trying to track down Tina and does a spell that shows her footprints from the night before on the pavement. for Jordan Peele's latest", The Gray Man review: "Hangs some ace action on a threadbare plot", Thor: Love and Thunder review: "Unashamedly absurd and wildly entertaining", Elvis review: "Baz Luhrmann, like Elvis, knows how to put on a great show", Lightyear review: "Fun, but doesn't take us to infinity and beyond", Ms. Marvel episode 6 review: "The MCUs newest hero is a force to be reckoned with", Resident Evil Netflix series review: "Does little to rise above whats come before", The Boys season 3, episode 8 review: "Not the fight we were promised", Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 1, episode 10 review: "An ending that's pure heaven for fans of the original series", Ms. Marvel episode 5 review: "A brave, necessary story", Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love, Try a single issue or save on a subscription, Issues delivered straight to your door or device. On paper, it's a pretty basic premise. Or because his plan was so complicated, and not necessarily causing pain to Grindelwald, it therefore wasn't in opposition to the blood oath.

Perhaps Dumbledore's that good at suppressing his feelings? Left to his own devices, Newt spots Dumbledore sitting on a bench on the opposite side of the road and wanders over, which leads to the Hogwarts professor telling Newt that he couldnt have stopped Grindelwald without him. Aberforths secret is the shame he feels over abandoning his son all those years ago, and how he's not got much time left with Credence before he dies. Dumbledore wasn't able to cross Grindelwald himself due to the blood oath they made when they were younger and romantically involved. Newt uses it in the second movie to find Tina, on our perspective, its obvious that jk still hadnt thought of that spell while writing the books, in universe wise, im guessing the ministry didnt want toto to toprprove siris innocentt, Same this as why harry didnt use sirius's gift and sirius wouldn't have died. He was restored as a member of the Confederation after the Ministry's acceptance of Voldemort's reemergence, but not as Supreme Head. As Aberforth and Albus fought, they didn't hear their younger sister Ariana coming down the stairs, and a stray spell struck her and killed her. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. Here, we've broken down the Fantastic Beasts 3 ending and answered your biggest questions. I mean he was sent to Azkaban without trial so I doubt much investigating went on. Be sorted, earn house points, take classes with our fine Hogwarts staff, debate which actor portrayed Dumbledore the best, and finally get some closure for your Post-Potter Depression.