A long time ago, in a wizarding world not so far away…
At last, details surrounding the HARRY POTTERÂ spin-off FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEMÂ have been revealed.
The movie was originally to depict eccentric magizoologist Newt Scamander’s journey around the world cataloguing magical creatures in faux documentary style. This seems to have changed since JK Rowling’s involvement in writing the screenplay, with it sounding less like National Geographic show and more like a fantastically infused episode of Dog the Bounty Hunter-with Hippogriffs instead of bail-skipping muggers.
In 1926, magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) travels-for unknown reasons-to New York City with his magical (TARDIS like) suitcase filled with ‘rare and endangered magical creatures’ from around the world. He discovers that American wizards live in fear of people without magical powers-colloquially called No-Majs, not as catchy as Muggles- learning of their existence. During this visit, some of the creatures-none of which are bunny rabbits or doves-escape.
FANTASTIC BEASTSÂ is the first instalment of a trilogy and the revealed plot details only hint at an inciting incident that ramps up the tension between magical and non-magical folk.
Details relating to the supporting cast have also been revealed, some of which will undoubtedly form Newt’s own magical Mystery Inc as he frantically searches for his escaped charges:
Porpentina ‘Tina’ Goldstein (Katherine Waterston)- an ambitious worker at the Magical Congress of the United States, who’s relegated to a menial position after she stood up for the wrong person.
Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol)- Tina’s free-spirited younger sister and roommate, who can read minds.
Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler)- a non-magical factory worker who’s exposed to the wizarding world when he meets Newt.
Graves (Colin Farrell)- right-hand man to the president of America’s wizarding world.
Mary Lou (Samantha Morton)- leader of the Second Salemers, a fanatical group determined to expose and destroy witches and wizards.
Credence (Ezra Miller)- Mary Lou’s troubled and mysterious adopted son.
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEMÂ is set to arrive in cinemas November, 2016. Be prepared CiniMe will want you to be able to identify a Basilisk from a Bowtruckle in record time.
