Have you ever imagined a new species of animal and wanted to see it clear as day? Have you ever read or watched the Harry Potter series and never wanted it to end? Well, if you answered “yes” to either of those questions, you are in luck.

Many think that because the last book of the Harry Potter series came out that the series is over, but this is not true. J.K. Rowling has written many “extra books” that provide back-story and explanations for many parts of Harry Potter’s wizarding world. The extra books include: Quidditch Through the Ages, The Tales of Beedle the Bard and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Rowling created and wrote each story. The last one on the list – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – is on everyone’s mind currently, as it was made into a thrilling movie that came out on November 18th.

Harry Potter fans who could not let go of the young wizard series are getting maybe their last taste of the Harry Potter saga, but are experiencing the beginning of a new era for wizarding history tales and movies. The film version of Fantastic Beasts does not follow the exact story of the book, which must be because the book is mostly full of information on each wizarding world monster and formatted like a textbook. However, the film does display a wide array of monsters at different points in the film as the main character, Newt Scamander, unwittingly sets many of them loose in the muggle (non-magical people) world.

The film revolves around Newton “Newt” Scamander, played convincingly by Edward “Eddie” Redmayne, who we learn let loose one of his magical creatures during an earlier visit to the U.S. Apparently, he did not realize this until he had already left the country. When he returns to the U.S., Scamander brings with him many other magical creatures, many of which escape, which leads to him being targeted by members of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, the Aurors.
When Scamander escapes arrest, he gets himself into even more trouble with American wizards, non-wizards, and the magical beasts that take up all of his time to capture before they are discovered or harmed by muggles or wizards who see them as terrorizing beasts – which Scamander does not.

It would take him longer to capture his beasts without the help of fellow wizard Porpentina Goldstein and non-wizard Jacob Kowalski, played by Katherine Waterston and Dan Fogler, respectively. These characters learn many life lessons from each other, especially not to judge a group of people or magical species based on what those around you say. They all experience magic and magical creatures in a way that opens all their minds to the multiple lives different species can live, all thanks to Scamander.
In an interview with a Pottermore correspondent, Redmayne explained his experience as an actor in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Redmayne told the correspondent, “You’ll be pleased to know I’m a real Harry Potter fan. I used to hear stories about those movies, and how it felt like a family on set. I was always mildly jealous, to be honest.”

Redmayne also noted that one of his first requests, after earning his part was to spend time with J.K. Rowling in order to ask her about his character. Regarding this meeting, Redmayne said, “There was no small talk. I just said, ‘Right, tell me about Newt.’ I had so many questions about his background and his family. It was all about J.K. Rowling’s vision and how she envisioned the world around Newt. As with all of her characters, Newt comes from somewhere in her heart. He means something to her.
When you watch this incredible movie with family and friends before winter break or during break, I hope Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will open a new world of fantasy and adventure for you and everyone you are with – all thanks to J.K. Rowling.