"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore
Well, fellow Harry Potter fans, we have about a month to wait until Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is released in theaters along with its accompanying screenplay. I don't know about you, but I'm freaking out. We will once again be able to enter into the magnificent wizarding world. But this time, it will be to discover the history and customs of witches and wizards in America. Specifically, in New York City, circa the 1920's, several decades before Harry Potter even existed.
If you didn't already know, the film is based on J.K. Rowling's 2009 publication by the same name. Within the same universe as the original films, this book, written by the English wizard author and 'magizoologist,' Newt Scamander, is said to "reside(s) in almost every wizarding household in the country" and describes a rather large collection of magical creatures present within the wizarding world. The movie follows Newt's adventures as he travels to the states with his briefcase full of magical beasts. Along the way, he will also learn about the wizarding community in America. For instance, instead of 'muggles,' non-wizards in the U.S. are called the 'No-maj.' And their version of the Ministry of Magic? That's the Magical Congress of the U.S.A. Weird to think about, right?
Director David Yates, whom was, of course, responsible for the final 4 Harry Potter films, tackles this new magical series that is now set to become a 5 film franchise rather than the originally planned trilogy. This extension is sure to give Harry Potter fans something to look forward to for years to come. In addition, actor Eddie Redmayne, whom is probably most well known for his recent starring role in The Theory of Everything, appears as Mr. Scamander. He's sure to deliver a killer performance, and it doesn't hurt that he's adorable, too. I simply can't wait to see this film's potential.
With the resurgence of wizarding world content for us loyal fans to devour, I couldn't be more excited for these next 5 films. Harry Potter's world made my childhood vibrant and gave me inspiration to dream about a world filled with magic. I longed for a pet owl of my own and waited patiently for my Hogwarts acceptance letter because I was convinced that I was exactly like Hermione Granger and was completely in love with Ron Weasely (I've got a thing for redheads - don't judge). Rowling's writing taught me many lessons about friendship, sacrifice, and loyalty and the films provided the only example I know of where I can say that yes, the movie was as good as the book.
If you want to learn more about Fantastic Beasts and its universe before going to see it on November 18th, just head to pottermore.com. You can read about The history of magic in North America or explore articles about and interviews with the actors!
P.S. My Ilvermorny house is Pukwudgie. What's yours?
