If you were surprised to learn that the upcoming "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" trilogy would actually be a five-film series instead, you weren't alone: the movie's own cast didn't know about that plan, either. But according to the stars, it makes perfect sense, especially considering screenwriter and "Harry Potter" mastermind J.K. Rowling's sprawling vision for the story.



Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston chatted about the flick at the EW PopFest this past weekend, and admitted their shock over learning that there would be four more films after the first flick hits theaters later this month. That kind of secrecy is par for the course, the actors said, though they understand why Rowling would want to spend more time in the Wizarding World.



"The thing is that it's imagination," Redmayne explained. "She has such a passion for it and a specific story that she wants to tell."



And according to the actor, that story will extend far beyond the scope of what three films could do.



"I think 'Fantastic Beasts' the title and Newt and his creatures are a way into this world, but there's a much bigger story here about good versus evil that she wants to tell, and you haven't seen much of it in the trailers and the clips of the film," Redmayne said. "But it's really a core of the story that she's telling and it has an epic, epic quality to it. ... So I do see that is a macro story that could take more time."



We're definitely on board for whatever magic Rowling has in store. The first entry in the "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" series is set for release on November 18.