When Does The Crimes Of Grindelwald Take Place

Okay, let’s talk Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Specifically, when exactly does this wizarding world whodunit even take place?

The Official Answer (and Why I Ignore It)

The "official" answer is 1927. The movie opens with Grindelwald escaping MACUSA custody that year. Simple, right?

Wrong. I'm about to drop a truth bomb that some Potterheads might not like.

I, personally, think the timeline is a bit... wonky.

Remember Newt Scamander's passport? Eagle-eyed fans (not me, I saw it on the internet) noticed the dates.

His entry date into France seemed a little...off. Some argue it implies a longer stay in New York than the films suggest.

Maybe Newt just likes collecting passport stamps. Who am I to judge?

Let’s talk about the age-old (pun intended!) problem of character ages. Specifically, Professor McGonagall.

She appears in the movie, seemingly teaching at Hogwarts. According to established canon, she wouldn’t even be born yet!

Time-Turner shenanigans? A very youthful ancestor? Or just a teeny, tiny plot hole? You decide!

Here it comes. Brace yourselves.

I think the movie takes place in a slightly fluid timeframe. A bit of a timey-wimey ball, if you will.

Maybe the Crimes of Grindelwald is less about a specific year and more about a specific era.

Think about it. The roaring twenties aesthetic is strong. The political climate feels distinctly pre-World War II.

Maybe, just maybe, the filmmakers prioritized atmosphere and narrative over strict adherence to the calendar.

Is it sloppy? Perhaps. Do I kind of dig it? Absolutely!

Look, we’re talking about a world with magic. Time travel exists (even if it's supposed to be tightly controlled).

So, if things don’t quite line up, I’m perfectly willing to shout, "A wizard did it!" and move on.

It's more fun that way, don't you think?

Ultimately, the biggest "crime" of The Crimes of Grindelwald might just be its slightly confusing timeline.

It's a bit of a head-scratcher, I agree.

But hey, at least it gives us something to debate over butterbeer, right?

"Don't worry about the timeline, just enjoy the magic!" – Me, probably

So, next time someone asks you when The Crimes of Grindelwald takes place, you can confidently say, "Well, officially it's 1927... but..."

Then launch into your own wild theory! Just be prepared for some friendly (or not-so-friendly) debate.

Because, let’s be honest, arguing about Harry Potter lore is half the fun!