It is normal for studios to explore different names for a film prior to its launch, especially for big franchises movies where the title can make a big difference in the box office. This was, of course, the case for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Before making a decision on that title, the studio explored different alternatives and now we can present to you the five options that were considereded at the time (we cannot be sure if there were other options, it is possible).
Fantastic Beasts: The Statute of Secrecy
This title was my personal favourite among all the options. The Statute of Secrecy makes total sense for the second film, given the fact that it is what Grindelwald fights again. He wants to break this Statute and it is in this movie where he publicly shares his goal. However, this title is very fan-centric, and those who were not readers of the original Harry Potter books may not have a clue about what it refers to.
Fantastic Beasts: Master of the Elder Wand
This title doesn’t say much and only introduces Grindelwald to the title, without saying anything about the plot. At this point the fandom already knew that Grindelwald was the current (at that time) master of the Elder Wand, but it is true that it connects directly with the Harry Potter movies and it would have been an interesting anchor to attract new people to the franchise.
Fantastic Beasts: Out of the Shadows
As with the first on the list, Out of the Shadows is connected to the plot of the film. It is in this film where Grindelwald goes publicly and tries to convince people to join him, getting out of the shadows to pursue his main goal. It could have been a very good title too.
Fantastic Beasts: Rise of the Dark Lord
Possibly a very bad choice. This movie doesn’t show the rise of Grindelwald (not yet), and the Dark Lord is Lord Voldemort for everyone who knows the Wizarding World, which could have caused some confussion.
Fantastic Beasts: Grindelwald’s Army
This is not that different from the final one (The Crimes of Grindelwald), focused on the action of Johnny Depp’s character (instead of his crimes, the army he is building). It could have worked, although it would have sounded very similar to Dumbledore’s Army, from the Harry Potter books.
It is very interesting to note that all the titles revolve around Grindelwald and his part in the film. This lets us know that for Warner Bros. that was always the main plot and focus of the film, and they never doubt about naming the movie with a different concept.
What is your favourite title from the alternatives? Leave your comments below!
