Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore's disappointing box office take may mean that there will no longer be a Fantastic Beasts 4 in the future and that Dumbledore's prequel story could come to a halt. There are several reasons the Harry Potter spin-off might not have done as well as the original movie series, but that is not to say that another spin-off couldn't be successful in the future.
Fans of Harry Potter have long been requesting a spin-off about the Marauders, especially since the original movies did a poor job explaining the history of Harry's dad and the friend group that created the famous Marauder's Map. Because of this, characters like Remus Lupin didn't get the screen time that fans felt they deserved. While it is unclear if a Marauders spin-off will ever be a reality, some of Lupin's quotes from the books would have enhanced the understanding of the character if they had been included in the Harry Potter movies.
Lupin's Secret Insult
"Mr. Moony Presents His Compliments to Professor Snape, And Begs Him To Keep His Abnormally Large Nose Out Of Other People's Business."
While Lupin's quote from the Marauder's Map was technically in the movies, the character never got credit for it. In the film, the map insults Snape as a general message from all the Marauders, but in the books, each member had their own thing to say.
While James and Sirius are often seen as the more rambunctious pair, this moment from the books reveals that Lupin also had a sense of humor. The knowledge that the quote was from Lupin also adds to the irony that the person who was insulting Snape was standing right there.
Lupin's Important Lessons
"You Can Exist Without Your Soul, You Know, As Long As Your Brain And Heart Are Still Working. But You'll Have No Sense Of Self Anymore, No Memory, No ... Anything. There's No Chance At All Of Recovery. You'll Just -- Exist."
In the Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione quickly explains that Dementors suck out the souls of their victims, but Lupin's explanation from the book is much more effective at communicating just how terrible the Dark creatures really are.
The Wizarding World knows that when someone dies, their soul carries on. However, Dementors keep that from happening by destroying the soul and letting the body live on. Had Lupin's quote been included in the movie, audiences would have had a much better understanding of the grim fate.
The Explanation About The Shrieking Shack
My Transformations In those Says Were -- Were Terrible. It Is Very Painful To Turn Unto A Werewolf. I Was Separated From Humans To Bite, So I Bit And Scratched Myself Instead. The Villagers Heard The Noise And The Screaming And Thought They Were Hearing Particularly Violent Spirits."
In the books, Harry and co. believe, like everyone else, that the Shrieking Shack is haunted. However, after the revelation that Lupin is a werewolf, they discover through this quote that the one who had given the house its reputation had been Lupin as a teenager.
The movies omit this revelation, and while the passageway from the Whomping Willow to the shack is revealed, audiences miss out on the information that they had only ever existed for Lupin's use.
Lupin's Romance With Tonks
"And I've Told You A Million Times That I'm Too Old For You, Too Poor ... Too Dangerous ...."
The movies suddenly threw Tonks and Lupin together in a less than satisfying way and kept movie audiences from becoming very invested in their relationship. However, if Lupin's quotes about his reluctance to give in to his love for Tonks had been included, more viewers would have fallen in love with their story.
Lupin feared that his status as a werewolf would negatively affect Tonks, and this fear would continue to be a significant part of his character arc. Altogether, Lupin's character would have been more interesting if his romance with Tonks had gotten more screentime in the Harry Potter movies.
Lupin's Sense Of Humor
"Give Five Signs That Identify The Werewolf. Excellent Question. One: He's Sitting On My Chair. Two: He's Wearing My Clothes. Three: His Name's Remus Lupin."
Harry's experience in Snape's memories in Order of the Phoenix was not a good one, mostly because he was forced to see that his father had not always been a very noble person. However, in a moment that wasn't included in the movies, he also observed what his mentor had been like as a teenager.
Lupin is often quiet and mysterious, and it seems he was much the same during his student years. However, this glimpse into his lighter side helped to round out his interesting character. While Lupin had a poor outlook on his life prospects as a werewolf in Harry Potter's world, he could also have a good sense of humor about it.
Lupin Was Always There For Guidance
"I Think You're Like James, Who Would Have Regarded It As The Height Of Dishonor To Mistrust His Friends."
When Harry refused to believe that anyone in the Order had betrayed him in the Deathly Hallows book, Lupin was there to subtly remind him that this same thought process had gotten James killed.
This kind of advice was common from Lupin, whose experience allowed him to see a bigger picture than Harry often could. However, Harry's decision to trust those he cared about ultimately led to his survival. This moment showcased the characters' growing differences and contributed greatly to both their arcs.
Lupin Didn't Always Understand Harry
"Forgive Me, But That Was A Very Unusual Move Then, Under Imminent Threat Of Death. Repeating It Tonight In Front Of Death Eaters Who Either Witnessed Or Heard About The First Occasion Was Close To Suicidal."
In the Deathly Hallows book, Lupin disapproved of Harry's use of the Disarming Spell and believed that war was not the time for such passive actions. However, Harry stuck to his guns, believing that killing should not be the first option.
When Harry chose to disarm instead of kill someone he knew to be under the Imperius Curse, Lupin chastised him as foolish. However, Harry remained adamant that he had done the right thing. Lupin's quote reinforced the series' theme of child-like innocence and drove home the future victory over Voldemort when Harry Potter used nothing but his best spell, "Expelliarmus."
Lupin Was Not Immune To Fear
"Harry, I'm Sure James Would Have Wanted Me To Stick With You."
When Lupin discovered that Tonks was pregnant, he became terrified. He did not want the child to be like him and felt overwhelming guilt over his decision to marry his wife in the first place. So, he decided to ask Harry if he could come with him on his journey in the Deathly Hallows book, ultimately running away from his fears.
Harry was astounded at Lupin's decision and called him a coward, ultimately causing the man to storm out. It was a sad moment for readers to witness, but it added so much to the character's story that it should never have been left out.
Lupin Could Admit When He Was Wrong
"I'd tell Him We're All With Him In Spirit. And I'd Tell Him To Follow His Instincts, Which Are Good And Nearly Always Right."
After their big fight in the Deathly Hallows book, Harry was unsure if Lupin would ever forgive him. However, he remained adamant that his father's old friend should be there for his child. If their relationship was never repaired, it would be worth it if the baby had a father he could be proud of.
Later, Harry heard Lupin give him a secret message over a radio broadcast. While it was simple, it showed him that he was forgiven and that what he had done was appreciated. This was the final moment of understanding between the two characters and the resolution of their conflicting arcs. It was also one of the last touching moments Harry would have with his mentor and friend.