By Travis Johnson
Even though the original series, both book and film, are done with, the magical world of Harry Potter was not going to lie fallow for long – it’s both too lucrative and too rich in narrative possibility. We’re already getting the stage sequel, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but arguably more intriguing is the upcoming spin off, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Fantastic Beasts moves the action in both time and space, setting its scene in 1920s America. Here we find Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander, field researcher in magical critters, caught up in an adventure that, according to screenwriter JK Rowling, has repercussions for the whole wide world, wizard and muggle alike.
Yes, screenwriter – the creator of Harry Potter is responsible for the script, while Potter veteran David Yates handles directing duties, and the main cast is rounded out with Katherine Waterston, Colin Farrell, Alison Sudol, Samantha Morton, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller and the mighty Ron Perlman.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them arrives in Australian cinemas on November 17.
