Even before Chetan Bhagat took credit for making people read again, there was another author who had started the process with a lot of success (and good writing). J.K Rowling, and her Harry Potter series, encouraged an entire generation of people to start reading. So it is only obvious that when her writing is adapted for the big screen, we make a beeline. Come November, and we will be counting days for the release of Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them, a prequel to Harry Potter, and an adaptation of her book by the same name. Here’s why we are looking forward to this movie.
The story
Based on Rowling’s book by the same name, it was first mentioned as a part of Harry Potter’s course books in his first year at Hogwarts. With popular demand, Rowling wrote the book in a school text book style, and released it as a prequel. The story talks about magizoologist Newt Scamander’s discoveries of magical creatures in 1926 New York. Rowling has written the screenplay too.
Psst! A little owl told us that this is just the first instalment in a series of five films. Fingers crossed!
Magic in 1920s New York
It is the world of Harry Potter all over again! Magical spells, strange creatures, the secret wizarding world, Aurors & dark wizards, and No-Majs (American for Muggles). Get ready with your wands for new spells, and some amazing special effects. And if you need more action, all this is going to be set in New York in an era when Jazz music was at its peak.
Magic in America
Remember how in Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, Harry is surprised to realise that there are other wizard schools around the world? Well, here is your chance to meet the American wizarding world. The North American school of magic – Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft & Wizardry – and the American Ministry of Magic – Magical Congress of the United States Of America (MACUSA) – will debut in the movie. We wonder if they utilise the Dark Arts. The movie borrows heavily from the history & culture of magic in America, first revealed on Pottermore.
Star cast
The movie boasts of an interesting cast. Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne plays Newt Scamander, the writer of the text book that will be used decades later by Harry, Ron & Hermione. Other actors include Colin Farrell, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston, and Jenn Murray.
Still not convinced why you should be excited about the film? Watch the trailer below.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vso5o11LuGU[/youtube]