KID REPORTERS’ NOTEBOOK
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Skylar Yarter October 27th, 2016
Skylar in front of a Fantastic Beasts display at a recent fan event in New York City
“It’s like a Harry Potter Christmas,” said Michaela, 24. She was talking about the upcoming movie, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, at a fan event in New York City.
The event, which took place on October 13, allowed people around the world—from Brazil to London to Rome—to watch a live stream of Fantastic Beasts director David Yates and cast members answering questions about the upcoming movie series. Even author J.K. Rowling put in a surprise appearance. Rowling, the author of the best-selling Harry Potter series, is making her screenwriting debut with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which is loosely based on her book of the same name.
In addition to the live Q&A, the event featured clips from the highly-anticipated movie. The New York City audience, along with fans present in the participating theatres around the globe, were also treated to a sneak preview of the first 10 minutes of the action drama.
With the recent premiere in London of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and publication of the script book, there has been a flurry of activity in the Wizarding World. The first Fantastic Beasts movie is adding to the excitement.
Tessa, 26, couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. “It’s like a resurgence of Harry Potter, with Cursed Child and now with Fantastic Beasts. The hype is real.”
WIZARDING, AMERICAN STYLE
The Fantastic Beasts series focuses on Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a magizooligist from 1920s England, who travels to New York City to research and rescue magical creatures. Then the drama begins!
Fans will recognize Scamander as the author of Harry’s first-year textbook at Hogwarts, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Skylar talks with young Harry Potter fans.
At the event, fans got a glimpse into the American Wizarding World, complete with different beasts, a new school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and an American-style Wizarding government. Tim, 36, who is a Gryffindor, said that he was most excited “to see the American Wizarding World.”
There was also an exciting revelation. The saga will include five movies! That means plenty to look forward to in the Wizarding World. As Tessa said, “The magic is back.”
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, opens in theaters on November 18.
Photos by StarPix