Variety is reporting today that Harry Potter director David Yates is in heavy talks to direct the new Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them films for Warner Bros.  The first film, of what is believed to be a trilogy, will be released on Nov. 18, 2016.  Yates is currently filming Tarzan at Leavesden Studios, where Potter was filmed. According to Variety:

Sources tell Variety that Yates, who directed several Harry Potter movies including the final “Deathly Hallows” pics, has agreed to return for the first installment of the Harry Potter spinoff trilogy “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

No deal has been made but insiders confirm both sides are in negotiations.

Warner Bros. had no comment on this story.

We will of course keep you updated on whether this news is true or not. But, as always, treat this as a rumor until it is confirmed by Warner Bros.