Filming begins on 'Fantastic Beasts' sequel

July 4 (UPI) -- Principal photography began Monday on the sequel to the 2016 fantasy blockbuster Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Warner Bros. said the next Beasts episode will see Harry Potter icon Albus Dumbledore -- played as a younger man by Jude Law -- and Fantastic Beasts hero Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) team up and battle the evil wizard Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) and his minions.

"Grindelwald will 'make a dramatic escape' from MACUSA custody, forcing Albus Dumbledore to join the wizarding world's efforts to stop him," the Pottermore website said. "The villainous Grindelwald has been busy 'gathering more followers to his cause -- elevating wizards above all non-magical beings.' Dumbledore will look to his former student Newt for help."

Five movies are planned for the Fantastic Beasts series, which serve as prequels to the eight-film Harry Potter franchise. The second Beasts feature -- which does not yet have a title -- is due in theaters Nov. 16, 2018.

Author J.K. Rowling penned the seven novels on which the Harry Potter saga was based. She also has written the screenplays for the two Beasts films, thus far.