With filming due to start this summer we still don’t know nearly as much about Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as we would like. However, change is in the air as official news slowly starts to emerge – and let’s face it, even the tightest lips can’t stop secrets escaping once the cameras start to roll!
So in anticipation of a new trilogy from the Harry Potter universe, let’s recap what we already know about the film series, as well as the latest news and rumours.
How ‘Harry Potter’ will the films feel?
Potter fans are no doubt praying the Fantastic Beasts series will fit seamlessly into the existing Potterverse, feeling every bit like an extension of the boy wizard franchise. Early signs are very positive too – after all, Warner Bros. approached J. K. Rowling herself about the film adaptation and the author has already written the screenplay for the first release.
We also know producer David Heyman and production designer Stuart Craig – who worked on the Potter films – are both on board and filming is expected to start late this summer, in Leavesden once again, where the original films were shot and the studio tour still runs today.
What about the confirmed news?
The latest news off the press is Eddie Redmayne will play the part of Newt Scamander, the lead character in the trilogy. Meanwhile, Katherine Waterston plays love interest Porpentina, with Queenie, Jacob and Kredan confirmed to feature in the series – although rumours are all we have on casting for these roles.
We also know how Warner Bros. wants fans to think of the trilogy – as “neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter Series, but an extension of the wizarding world.” These were the words of Josh Berger, the studio’s UK Entertainment President, this time last year. While he also confirmed the film will start in 1920s New York, some 70 years before Harry’s story begins, and feature both UK and US wizards and witches.
We’ve also learnt Mrs Rowling likes to tease her fans, enjoying every extra ounce of hype circulating the web, when she concocts a viral riddle that eventually reveals how the synopsis for the script begins – much to bittersweet torture of her Twitter following.
Aside from that the secrets of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them remain pretty well guarded, but you can expect to hear all kinds of gossip, rumours, news and behind-the-scenes leaks once recording starts later this year. Which will hopefully be just enough to keep you sane until the first film is released on November 18, 2016.
https://youtu.be/rTcdL3-dh2c?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published July 15, 2015. Updated January 18, 2020.
