'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' news: David Yates to direct all sequels

(Facebook/fantasticbeastsmovie)"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" premieres on Nov. 18.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is only a few days away. And with four more sequels planned, it looks like fans of the wizarding world are in for a treat. The second film is already in pre-production and David Yates will be back in the director's chair.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Yates, who directed "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" as well as several "Harry Potter" films, is set to helm the four sequels as well. However, it should be noted that nothing has been set in stone, although Yates is more than willing to direct the rest of the films.

"I love making films, and I've got a great team, all of whom are like family. I only look at it movie-to-movie," Yates told the publication at the world premiere.

It has been reported that Johnny Depp had already been cast as Gellert Grindelwald, the first dark wizard to ever challenge the system of magical world, in the sequel. And while it was previously unknown whether Albus Dumbledore would make an appearance, it has ultimately been confirmed that a young, openly gay Albus will be featured in the upcoming sequel. Fans know that Dumbledore and Grindelwald have a tumultuous relationship, so it will certainly be interesting to take a peek at history.

Ahead of its premiere, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" has been getting good reviews from critics. As of writing, the film holds a 100 percent fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes and a 73 percent approval rating on Metacritic.

Some critics have praised the film's premise and take on the wizarding world. However, others have pointed out that something is lacking in the material.

"Reviving the magical universe from the second biggest franchise of all time is a pretty risky move, but 'Fantastic Beasts' does a good job of blending the familiar with the new," ScreenCrush praised, but also adding that "it could have been a better movie if didn't waste so much time setting up a new franchise."

Entertainment Weekly was more critical of the film, saying it felt "oddly lifeless," saying it doesn't compare to the original and richer "Harry Potter" films. "Fantastic Beasts is two-plus hours of meandering eye candy that feels numbingly inconsequential," the review concludes.

Of course, fans will just have to see for themselves if they agree with these reviews or not. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" will premiere in theaters on Nov. 18.

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