“Harry Potter” director David Yates in talks to return for “Fantastic Beasts”

It seems like more and more of the old crowd is returning to help bring J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them to the screen.

David Yates, who directed Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows – Part 1, and Deathly Hallows – Part 2, has reportedly agreed to return to direct the Fantastic Beasts film, Variety reports.

Reports indicate that no firm deal has been reached but that both parties are in negotiating talks.

We already know that Potter producer David Heyman has jumped on board for the Fantastic Beasts film, which will be penned by Rowling herself. These reports of Yates signing on come not long after Alfonso Cuarón confirmed he will not be directing the film, despite earlier rumors.

The film, which will show Rowling’s wizarding world several decades before Harry’s story, is currently set for a November 18, 2016, release. Recent rumors indicate the confirmed second and third films could release on November 16, 2018, and November 20, 2020.

Yates obviously has a strong connection to Rowling’s world, having brought to life the final four films in the Potter franchise. However, the subject matter in Fantastic Beasts, which will presumably follow the life and adventures of Newt Scamander, will be quite different. Of course, these are still early reports, and we will keep following for a firm confirmation.

What do you think of Yates returning to possibly direct Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them?