The third “Fantastic Beasts” film from Warner Bros. didn’t have a fantastic weekend here in the US

“Dumbledore’s Secrets” grossed $43 million domestically. That sounds like a lot, but the previous two “Beasts” movies had significantly higher opening weekends. Maybe it’s time to call it a day on this franchise.

Abroad, however, people who don’t understand English but like to wander around their theaters. The film has already grossed $110 million internationally. They really liked it in China once any reference to Dumbledore having been in love with Grindewald was removed – $12 million!

Japan was also a big customer – over $8 million. I’m tempted to make a joke but I won’t. (That was a good joke, too. Give me a call.) And in the UK, where English is presumably spoken, over $7 million worth of tickets were sold.

The very talented star of “Beasts” Eddie Redmayne, who already has an Oscar, has just won an Olivier (like a Tony Award) for the revival of “Cabaret” in the West End. He just turned 40. He has awards and he is in charge of these films. And now? I don’t know, but this boat has sailed. It’s time to put away the chopsticks. Maybe he can be the new Q or M or X in the James Bond movies. (In fact, it needs good rom-coms.)