Long live Harry Potter and the magical world he lives in. The new "Harry Potter" spin-off film, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is based off a book featured in the original "Harry Potter" series. It is the first book in a trilogy, which, fingers-crossed, will be continued and completed within the next few years to further live out the magic of the wizarding world. So far, the trailer for the upcoming film has given away very little information, but here’s what we know so far.
1. Newt Scamander is the main character and is played by Eddie Redmayne. He is British and a former student at Hogwarts. He was sorted into Hufflepuff house and graduated from Hogwarts, where he went on to work for the Ministry of Magic, according to the book, though the trailer gives the impression that he was expelled. That remains a mystery as of now.
2. The story location changes from Great Britain to America, where Newt travels to New York City. Apparently, magic exists in America, so that is exciting news!
3. The book is a required textbook for first-year students at Hogwarts and contains the history of Magizoology (the study of magical creatures) and describes 85 magical species found around the world. Newt Scamander is the author of the book and has obtained his information about magical creatures via observations from traveling around the world.
4. The book and film take place during the “Grindelwald Era,” AKA the 1920s. This was way before much of the "Harry Potter" cast even existed, minus Dumbledore, of course, because that man is older than dirt.
Though some basic things are known, it still leaves the Harry Potter fandom with many questions regarding the film:
Is there an American Ministry of Magic?
The trailer makes it seem like there could be. And if there is a Ministry of Magic in America, is the lady on the giant poster the Minister or President?
What is Newt doing in NYC?
We know he traveled from London to NYC (as mentioned in the trailer), but why? What is he really doing in America? From the trailer, it looks like a lot of things go down in the Big Apple once Newt arrives.
What is in his suitcase? And where does his suitcase lead?
It appears Newt is hiding some sort of creature or "fantastic beast" in his suitcase as it growls and shakes, and little claws emerge from it. But what is it? And where does his suitcase lead to as shown at the very end of the trailer? Is that the American equivalent of flushing yourself into the Ministry of Magic?
Will Hogwarts be shown at all?
Because Newt has history at Hogwarts, maybe there will be some flashbacks featuring vintage Hogwarts in its glory days. That would bring back lots of memories and feels for sure.
Is Dumbledore going to make an appearance?
Dumbledore and Newt have history with one and other, though it is unsure of whether that relationship is negative or positive. This leaves many fans wondering whether Dumbledore is going to make a small appearance in this upcoming film. He would not be the same white-bearded wizard we’ve all grown up with, but rather a 40-year-old transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts.
Will any other "HP" characters be involved?
Although many of us would love for the original trio to make an appearance, that is highly unlikely considering they were not even born yet. However, it would be nice to see some familiar faces in the upcoming film.
Did they use “Hedwig’s Theme” in the trailer just to make us cry?
Because if they did, that is just cruel and extremely endearing all at the same time. All of the feels are felt when that magical song is played.
Is "he who shall not be named" in this trilogy?
"He who shall not be named" was the famous villain in the "Harry Potter" series, but who will it be for this trilogy? Is there going to be a different "dark lord?"
Where are these fantastic beasts found? NYC?
I know this will be revealed in the movie, considering it is part of the title, but I'm really intrigued in finding out where these so-called fantastic beasts are found. Are some of them found in America? Could these fantastic beasts be living in my own backyard?
Why can’t November come faster?
Seriously, just get here already! The "Harry Potter" fandom can't wait much longer.
