Fantastic Beasts 3: Production delayed on Harry Potter prequel starring Eddie Redmayne

Warner Bros has delayed filming for more pre-production

Production on the third Fantastic Beasts film has been delayed as Warner Bros has extended pre-production on the sequel/prequel.

Deadline reports that cameras were expected to roll on the JK Rowling-scripted film in July, but its now looking more likely filming will begin in late autumn.

The publication puts the delay down to the sheer amount of preparation needed.

They note that the studio has begun slowing down production on franchise films where necessary, rather than rushing them out to reach an already announced release date.

The actors involved with the threequel – which does not yet have a set release date – are being alerted to the delay as working schedules will have to be changed.

Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Jude Law and Johnny Depp are all expected to reprise their respected roles.

David Yates will return to direct the third Fantastic Beasts film, having helmed the first two (plus every Harry Potter film since Order of the Phoenix).

The second Fantastic Bests film, The Crimes of Grindelwald, caused controversy after bring back Depp as the eponymous Grindelwald. One of the twists in the film was also criticised, with Queenie actor Alison Sudol defending the film.