Image Credits: The Guardian
Potterheads rejoice! It has been confirmed that J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter franchise is currently in the process of writing scripts for new Harry Potter spin off movies!
In a statement, Rowling explained that the movies will neither be a prequel or sequel, but rather a whole new franchise based on Newt Scamander, who is the fictional author of the textbook used in the Harry Potter series, Fantastic Beasts An Where To Find Them. She stated:
Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for 17 years, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world. The laws and customs of the hidden magical society will be familiar to anyone who has read the Harry Potter books or seen the films, but Newt’s story will start in New York, 70 years before Harry’s gets underway.
The Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them film will serve as Rowling’s first adventure into the art of screen writing. Rowling explained her decision to write the screen play by stating:
It all started when Warner Bros. came to me with the suggestion of turning Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them into a film. I thought it was a fun idea, but the idea of seeing Newt Scamander, the supposed author ofFantastic Beasts, realized by another writer was difficult. Having lived for so long in my fictional universe, I feel very protective of it and I already knew a lot about Newt.
There is no word yet on when the film is expected to be released or how far along Rowling is with the screenplay. I think this could bean interesting project for Rowling but I think that true Harry Potter fans that have been with the franchise since the beginning may feel slightly disappointed. This isn’t going to a film about Harry, Hermione, and Ron like they may be hoping for. I can see this film as being more animated and appealing more to a younger audience such as those in the ages 5-9 group.
Image Credits: Scholastic
What are your thoughts on Rowling’s new Harry Potter screenplay?