Calling all fellow nerds—The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is back, but not in the way we expected.
Slated for release in November 2016, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is the prequel series that "Harry Potter" lovers (namely me) around the world have been waiting for.
My obsession with J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series goes way back. I've read all the books (multiple times), been to all the midnight premieres (possibly in costume), and I may or may not own a certified replica of Neville Longbottom's wand.
So naturally, when I heard that there was a brand new, magical trilogy in the works, I low-key teared up a little bit.
Set in 1920s New York, the movie trilogy will follow the adventures of "magizoologist" Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne), 70 years before the story of "Harry Potter" begins. This unfortunately means that the familiar faces of Harry, Ron, and Hermione will not be seen in the upcoming films.
However, fans should not be disappointed, and here are a just a few reasons why:
1. While the movies will not feature familiar, already beloved characters, fans will get the chance to know the mysterious Newt Scamander, who is the fictional author of Rowling's guide to magical creatures, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" (published in 2001).
2. J.K. Rowling wrote the screenplay. Yes, that's right. No Hollywood writers here, folks. The words coming out of the mouths of characters will have come from the mind of none other than our favorite British author herself.
3. American wizard slang. What could be better than getting to know the American word for "Muggle" (it's No-Maj, like "no magic," just FYI).
4. Never before seen creatures: Rumors are we'll be meeting "Ashwinders" (serpents created by magical fire) as well as "Nifflers" (treasure-hunting creatures with an affinity for shiny things) just to name a few.
5. It's a new franchise, people! That means we have years worth of fangirling at midnight premieres wearing costumes that would only otherwise be acceptable at a comic book convention ahead of us.
So get excited fellow Muggles/No-Majes. A new era has begun!
