Entertainment

Dan Fogler says Fantastic Beasts sequel is ‘political fable’ about fascism

The actor is not alone among cast members in drawing political parallels from the JK Rowling script.
The actor is not alone among cast members in drawing political parallels from the JK Rowling script.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald star Dan Fogler has said the film is a “political fable” that parallels the rise of fascism.

The actor, who plays Muggle Jacob Kowalski, said that the message about the ascent of divisive politics in the film both echoes history and resonates in modern society.

Fogler has said that the prequel to the Harry Potter franchise is more than just a fairy tale, and deals with “intense” material.

The American star spoke at the premiere of the second instalment of the Fantastic Beasts saga.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald UK Premiere – London
Johnny Depp (left to right), Claudia Kim, Jude Law, Zoe Kravitz, Callum Turner, Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Eddie Redmayne, William Nadylam, Dan Fogler and JK Rowling attending the Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald UK premiere (Ian West/PA)

He said: “It’s a political fable, but it’s also like a grim fairy tale. It’s the classic archetypal journey.

“It’s one of those kind of classic stories you would tell, a fairy tale. But on top of that is this very tangible story.

“Woven into that is this definite political message in Grindelwald, it’s supposed to parallel the rise of fascism. It talks about very intense topics, like not being able to marry the person you want to marry.

“A lot of these themes can be echoed and heard today, and resonate with people today.”

Co-star Eddie Redmayne has also commented on the political parallels the film, written by JK Rowling, invites the audience to draw.

He said the film reflects “seismic” changes in society, and urges people to engage with the world.

The film charts the ambitions of Johnny Depp’s villain Gellert Grindelwald for pure wizards to rule over non-magical creatures.