For nearly half a decade, director David Yates devoted himself to adapting J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books as he helmed the final four movies in the series. Now, Yates has made an even larger commitment to Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, which means that he won’t be leaving this magical world any time soon.

At the world premiere for Fantastic Beasts, Yates told The Hollywood Reporter that he was onboard to direct all four of the film’s recently announced sequels. “I love making films, and I’ve got a great team, all of whom are like family,” said Yates. “I only look at it movie to movie.”

Between both series, Yates will have directed nine films in the Potterverse by the time that the final Fantastic Beasts movie is released. Warner Bros. hasn’t officially scheduled the movies that far ahead, but it’s likely to be another run of five years or more.

One of the ways that Yates and Rowling have built up the anticipation for the Fantastic Beasts sequels has been with the reveal that Johnny Depp is playing Gellert Grindelwald, one of the legendary dark wizards who had close ties to fan favorite, Albus Dumbledore. Casting is currently underway for the younger Dumbledore, who will appear in the sequel.

While speaking with THR, Yates also hinted that Fantastic Beasts may be a darker film than fans expected; but he noted that the final draft added some lightness back to the script. “It was after that dark second draft that [Rowling] suddenly found the melody; then, she was away to the races. It was a struggle to keep up with her because she knew what it was: a balance between light and shade.”

We won’t have to wait long to see Fantastic Beasts in theaters, as it will be released next Friday, November 18.

Are you excited that Yates will direct all five Fantastic Beasts movies? Cast your spells in the comment section below!

Image: Warner Bros. Pictures

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