J.K. Rowling conjured up a spell of excitement as she announced the imminent production of a new addition to the Harry Potter films, a spinoff called “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
Last month, Warner Bros. released a statement that J.K. Rowling, the widely acclaimed author of the Harry Potter series, is composing the script for the upcoming production, which would also mark her debut for screenwriting.
“It all started when Warner Bros. came to me with the suggestion of turning [it] into a film,” Rowling said. Though she was initially enthusiastic about the proposal, she realized that the storyline would be more difficult to express than the producers presumed.
The film is said to follow the discoveries of a character named Newt Scamander, the author of the textbook, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” used by Hogwarts students.
In the Harry Potter novels, the textbook explores magical creatures from acromantulas to yetis, all of which are familiar to die-hard Potterheads.
Rowling published the 42-page spinoff to her seven-part series for charity in 2001, accompanied by a similar textbook mentioned in the novels, “Quidditch Through the Ages.” Despite the challenge, Rowling has expressed excitement over the prospect of producing a full-blown series–yes, series–based on Scamander’s adventures.
Producer of all eight Harry Potter films, David Heyman, has confirmed that he will be producing “Fantastic Beasts” as well.
“What was clear to me is that Jo’s knowledge of this world is infinite. What you read in the books was just the surface of her knowledge. She had notebook upon notebook of stuff. I would call her and say, ‘What’s the sixth use of dragon’s blood?’ and she’d have it at her fingertips,” Heyman said. Like Rowling, Heyman has exhibited sincere delight in the ideas for the new movie.
Carlmont senior Marcella Haddad, has displayed similar emotions upon hearing the announcement, saying, “I’m expecting great things! I trust her to bring her characters to life on the screen just as well as she does in books. I’m glad that we still get to explore the detailed world of magic that she’s created.”
Though thousands of fans across the globe have already been buzzing with anticipation, some have yet to come across the news.
“They’re making another Harry Potter movie?” senior, Nicole Elia, exclaimed. “How come I didn’t hear about this?”
Carlmont senior Jade Neyroud reacted in a manner identical to Elia’s, asking, “Wait, what is Fantastic Beasts?”
But fear not, friends of Harry! More details and official cast lists are to be publicized in time. For now, there has been speculation on the possible return of the franchise’s original cast, including Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe.
Because the impending film is supposedly set 70 years prior to Potter’s era, there is doubt as to whether or not the famous trio will reappear on screen.
Radcliffe stated, “I don’t think I’m going to be coming back. We can’t be doing these characters when we’re 40, so there has to be a line drawn.”
Regardless of “Fantastic Beast’s” divergence from the familiar tale of the “Boy Who Lived,” fans are not so easily let down.
Haddad has stated that she wholeheartedly believes success is in the making. “Rowling can pretty much do whatever she wants and fans can’t complain. The world of Harry Potter already has a huge following– this extension of Rowling’s creation will draw in fans just because of the original series.”
While some people have demonstrated a genuine distaste for the Harry Potter series, and others have professed a dauntless pledge to follow Rowling and her work no matter where it may take them, only time will tell what “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” truly has to offer.