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Morning folks. I’ll start today with a video that contains some classy tunes. It’s my recent interview with Eric Rohmann about his new book GIANT SQUID. Delicious delicious giant squids. Sorry. This interview occurred on a day when I was half hoping the staff recording the interview would have a big steaming plate of calamari waiting for me. Twas not to be.
Britain’s doing that thing again. That thing where they throw a bunch of celebrities into a video for charity. I could recognize about 5.5 of them. You may have better luck in the end. How did Brittany get in there, by the way?
Hmmm. Boyz II Men plus The Snowy Day? Sure! What the heck. I’ll bite. This is for the new Amazon Prime Video holiday special. Oddly, it was the only clip from the special I was able to find online.
Oops! Did I not post KidLit TV’s live presentation of School Library Journal’s Best of 2016 list! Where are my manners?
And finally for the off-topic videos, Matt (the resident husband) had two more new one about the process of writing. First up, finding that odd moment of humanity in your characters . . .
Second up, fun with exposition!
0 Comments on Video Sunday: Yesss! Boyz II Men Inclusion Accomplished! as of 12/14/2016 1:47:00 AM
Ever since Harry began his journey, we’ve been told that “The wand chooses the wizard.” But, on set of the Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them movie, the actors got to design their characters’ wands themselves.
“I sort of assumed that I would have a wand sort of plopped in my hand,” Eddie Redmayne tells Entertainment Weekly. But when he found out he got to choose the wand for the main character, Newt Scamander, he put a lot of thought into the design.
“These amazing props designers come, and then you have really a quite intricate discussion with [director] David Yates about what qualities Newt has,” Eddie continued. He wanted Newt’s wand to match his personality, to be a reflection of who he was. Eddie didn’t want the wand to be too complex of a design, Newt isn’t a “showy guy”. But he did want the audience to be able to see the history in it, all that it’s been through, with scratches and burn marks up and down the ash wood.
But for the handle, they were sort of talking about whether it should be horn or leather, and I didn’t like the idea of like animal products being used, given that he’s a zoologist. So in the end, they came up with this idea of sand shell… and it has a slightly mother-of-pearly feel. So we had all these discussions and went back and forth with designs, and when the thing arrived I was pretty excited. My inner 9-year-old was having a disco, and then I was actually presented with it!”
Read the full interview with Eddie Redmayne here! Be sure to catch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in theaters November 18!
Harper Collins, one of the core publishing partners for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, launched its Fantastic Beasts website earlier this week! The website gives fans their fist look at official Movie-Tie in books, including a Fantastic Beasts coloring book!
The coloring book is one of two books on the site that features a finalized cover, and is on sale beginning September 1. Harper Collins describes the book, saying:
“From the bustling city streets and buildings of a vibrant 1926 New York, to Tina and Queenie’s apartment and the wonders of MACUSA, this book invites you to color your way through the adventure – even from inside Newt’s case! You will also find numerous props and artifacts inside, including wands, signs and symbols, and maybe even a fantastic beast….”
The second book to have a finalized cover is a book called, “The Case of Beasts: Explore the Film Wizardry of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” which hits shelves November 18. The Harper Collins website describes this book as:
“The Case of Beasts delivers an enchanting interactive experience by sharing filmmaking secrets, film photography and artwork, and behind-the-scenes stories from cast and crew. Full of removable, facsimile reproductions of props and paper ephemera from the movie, along with some very special effects, this collectible volume offers a unique look from the talented group who created this movie magic.”
Other movie tie-in books include Inside the Magic: The Making of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and The Art of the Film: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which also come out November 18; as well as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Magical Creatures Coloring Book and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – A Book of 20 Postcards to Color, which will be released December 1! Descriptions of all four of these books, and more information, can be found here.
The main Fantastic Beasts Quartet (similar to the Trio–Harry, Ron and Hermione), Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol and Dan Fogler, sat down with Pottermore for an exclusive interview. The group was gathered in their bus at Comic Con in San Diego, which took place this last weekend, and discussed their weekend with the PMC.
The leader of the Quartet, Newt Scamander (or Eddie Redmayne in the No-Maj world) answered first, telling Pottermore:
‘I feel like what’s extraordinary about Comic-Con is that so much energy comes into the city for four days and you feed off that,’ says Eddie. ‘So, your adrenaline is pumping and pulsating through your body and you kind of feel elated. Slightly like you’re floating on a different planet. You almost can’t take it in; it’s too much visual stimulus.
‘You see people everywhere dressed in costume – I saw a guy dressed as Newt Scamander. I was like “I love it!” And there’s this Funko toy… That’s kind of amazing, although I think I’m going to take mine home and put freckles on it.’
Katherine Waterston, who plays Newt’s future wife, Tina, said that, for her, SDCC and conference experiences were about the fans. She told Pottermore,
‘I’ve had conversations where someone is shaking and sweating because they know I’m in Fantastic Beasts. So I keep thinking of those people I know who love it so much, when I’m looking at this sea of smiling faces.’
Dan Fogler is the only one of the Quartet with Comic Con experience, talked about his previous visit to San Diego. Apparently, it was at that uneventful (for him, he said) Comic Con that he received a phone call letting him know he was a part of Fantastic Beasts!
The casts opinions on all the secrecy surrounding the films, and more can be found here, on Pottermore.
Fantastic Beasts has been taking San Diego’s Comic Con (SDCC) by storm! Introducing a new trailer, hosting live Q&A with fansites (Leaky, too!) and panels, the Fantastic Beasts cast and crew has been revealing a lot of new movie magic. Also, keep an eye on the new Wizarding World snapchat for more inside looks at SDCC 2016.
One of the snaps on the new snapchat, and also added to Twitter, revealed Eddie Redmayne showcasing Newt Scamander’s wand for Noble Collection at SDCC 2016.
Noble Collection is one of the greatest distributers of official Harry Potter merchandise and movie replicas. Fans have been wishing and hoping for Fantastic Beasts movie merchandise, and that indeed will eventually be the case. Even better, it seems that Fantastic Beasts merchandise and movie replicas will be added to the Noble Collection!
David Yates sat down with the Los Angeles Times to talk about his first Comic-Con experience (San Diego is hosting this years International Comic Con this weekend) and Fantastic Beasts.
David Yates, David Heyman, and most of the Fantastic Beasts cast are taking San Diego and the 2016 International Comic Con by storm. As a part of Warner Bros most anticipated fall film release, many eyes are on the magical events and activities Fantastic Beasts is hosting at SDCC 2016.
For those of you who have never been to a Comic Con, it is quite an experience–and David Yates is learning this too. Yates is enjoying his first Comic Con, a little sad he’s missed out on other opportunities like this. The LA Times reports on his experience at SDCC and taking the Potter Universe into new, unchartered territory with the more adult Fantastic Beasts films.
It’s kind of hard to believe that you’ve never been to Comic-Con before.
I have so missed that opportunity because everyone — actors, directors, producers — they always tell me what an amazing experience it is. We were always in the thick of one of the “Potter” movies, so I was never able to make the trip. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s such a sort of touchstone of what’s ticking in popular culture. I’m really thrilled.
The Potter books and the movies got more mature as the characters got older. “Fantastic Beasts” looks like it’s the continuation of that.
“Beasts” hasn’t got any kids in it. Well, it’s actually got one lovely kid called Faith [Wood-Blagrove], who plays a character called Modesty, but generally it’s a film with grown-ups. So it’s a more adult development of what Jo has done before but still with lots of magic, still with lots of fun. It’s the best of both worlds, I think.
I think that what’s interesting is it speaks to Jo’s curiosity about the world and her observation of the world that we see around us. It speaks to themes that are important now, as well as all the lovely magical stuff and her genius for character. Even though it’s set in New York in 1926, she’s interested in themes that resonate now about a divided world and a polarized world and how important it is to recognize otherness and embrace it and not to be afraid of it. That’s always been an aspect of her work, and it becomes more so now.
For all the kids who grew up watching these films — and as I grow old making some of these films — and for everyone who loved the books and grew up with them, I think this will feel like a really interesting return to her universe.
This is the first time people will go into a movie set in that universe and not have a sense of what the characters look like or where the story will go. How do you approach that as a filmmaker?
In a way, it’s quite liberating. Coming at it from a completely blank canvas, to me, is an advantage. People aren’t bringing any sort of baggage with them.
There aren’t bits that are going to be left out. There isn’t the same frustration that can happen if a favorite chapter has been left out of the movie. This is a story from Jo’s imagination, and people are going to hear it first in the theater. And I think that is tremendously exciting.
Fantastic Beasts’ official Facebook page and Twitter is promising more chances to view and be a part of Fantastic Beast SDCC 2016 events. After today’s open Q&A at 5:30 pm EST, which Leaky will be attending, Fantastic Beasts’ Facebook page will continue live coverage of the panel and cast discussion. See below:
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is coming around the corner this November! Being one of Warner Bro.’s most anticipated films, the film and its cast and crew will be making an appearance (multiple appearances) at this years San Diego (International) Comic Con, SDCC 2016.
Time Magazine included Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as one of the most anticipated Comic Con films from Warner Bros, along side Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman. Time wrote:
“San Diego Comic-Con isn’t just about comics. The convention plays host to trailers, teasers and panels from Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters…
“This year, Wonder Woman (celebrating her 75th birthday) will vie for first lady of the convention as star Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins preview next year’s much-anticipated film; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will usher in the next era of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world…
“…Between the onstage and on-shelf debut of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the opening of a Harry Potter theme park at Universal Studios in Los Angeles and the upcoming trilogy Fantastic Beasts, the wizarding world is staging a comeback. Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell are among the actors that will join director David Yates (who helmed four of the Harry Potterfilms) to give the Comic-Con audience a deeper look at what J.K. Rowling’s vision of a magical, 1920s-era New York.
According to the Comic Con website and schedule, Warner Bros will showcase their highly anticipated releases (Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad, The LEGO Batman Movie, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, etc.) including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The showcase is scheduled for Saturday, July 23, 11:30 am. Comic Con has posted that David Yates, Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, and Colin Farrell will be in attendance for the panel. Basically the whole gang will be there.
Entertainment Weekly‘s coverage of this weekend’s SDCC events, states that fans will have signing opportunities from the Fantastic Beasts group:
“In addition to the panels, there will signing appearances in three distinct areas: the Warner Bros. Booth (Fantastic Beasts, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword), the DC Booth (Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman), and the LEGO Booth (The LEGO Batman Movie).”
So far at SDCC 2016, WB and Fantastic Beasts have hosted a wand-training workshop! We’ll keep you updated on more WB and Fantastic Beasts events at SDCC 2016 as the weekend unfolds!
In addition, MuggleNet reported on test-screenings of Fantastic Beasts that occurred in Chicago this week. They gave a spoiler-free report of how the movie was received by the audience. MuggleNet reports:
It is more adult-oriented and interesting to see how adult wizards exist and live in society.
That said, this may also be the funniest movie of all the Wizarding World films. The humor worked for the most part and the audience really enjoyed most of the jokes. There may have even been some hidden adult jokes.
The Wizarding World in the USA is much stricter and scarier than Britain’s Wizarding World.
Beasts will not disappoint, but they do not steal the show.
Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) and Alison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein) steal the movie with brilliant performances.
It was HIGHLY recommended that viewers know the Wizarding World laws and magical nuances before seeing this film. Muggles (sorry…”No-Maj’s”) will not get any explanations to the magical world.
Newt is fighting a good fight, which makes the fans appreciate the magical beasts.
Finally, our team was not disappointed and said the fans should look forward to a fantastic new film this fall.
Read more about the discussion focus groups with David Yates, David Heyman and the audience in the full report from MuggleNet, here.
As reported previously, Warner Bros and J.K. Rowling will be publishing the Fantastic Beasts screen play in book form (pre-order here). It was also announced last March that Warner Bros had gathered Publishing Partners, which will work to release Fantastic Beasts merchandise, interactive film-to-page books (particularly children’s books), and more. Warner Bros also formed a Harry Potter production team called the Harry Potter Global Franchise Development Team (HPGFD), and more of that can be read here. The Bookseller reported recently that Walker Books is a part of these publishing partners and production teams, and will be releasing a Fantastic Beasts interactive series. The Bookseller reports:
“Walker Books UK will publish a series of interactive children’s books based on the upcoming Harry Potter spin-off film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”.
“The film, written by J K Rowling, was inspired by her “Hogwarts textbook”, also entitled Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which was published by Bloomsbury Children’s in 2001. It follows the adventures of Newt Scamander as several of his magical creatures escape in New York, and will be released in the UK in November.
“Walker Books UK signed a sublicence agreement with Insight Editions, which has the rights to a global publishing program based on J K Rowling’s Wizarding World, and Warner Bros Consumer Products. The agreement is for “several” titles in novelty and interactive formats that go behind the scenes of the film, and publication will start this October.
“Walker Books UK will publish the books simultaneously with Walker Books Australia. In the US, the same titles will be released by Walker’s sister company Candlewick Press.”
With the first Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie due to roll into theaters this November, first looks at film merchandise are beginning to surface.
LEGO website, Bricks Fans recently released images of the packaging of Fantastic Beasts LEGO sets. The new LEGO sets were advertised in the Argos catalogue in the U.K. The images show Newt Scamander, a LEGO Niffler, and MACUSA. The pictures can be seen below. Bricks Fans reports:
“The [LEGO Dimensions Story Pack based on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them] will be available in November and will feature a Magical Congress of the United States of America-themed Gateway to add to the LEGO Toy Pad along with a Newt Scamander Minifigure and Niffler gadget. The book also reveals that [the] Story Packs will retail for £39.99 and will feature a 6 level story campaign to enjoyed based on their relevant movies.”
Warner Bros. recently released the first official Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them t-shirt. This is the first official piece of film merchandise added to the Harry Potter franchise. It is a simple black t-shirt sporting the official Fantastic Beasts logo fans have seen in the Fantastic Beasts trailers. Warner Bros. described the tshirt, saying:
“This is our very first printing of our very first official shirt for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the upcoming film based on J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World! Orders placed by Friday, July 22nd will ship on Friday, July 29th. After this, the next batch will ship in mid-August.”
We still have several months of waiting until the Fantastic Beasts comes to theaters but J.K. Rowling and David Yates have already started talking about the sequel. Jo has already finished the script for the second Fantastic Beasts movie and passed it on to Yates to read. In this Entertainment Weekly article, Yates talks about how different the sequel will be to the first Fantastic Beasts movie.
“We’ve seen the script for Part 2, for the second movie, which takes the story in a whole new direction – as you should, you don’t want to repeat yourself,” says Yates, who also helmed the final four Potter films. “The second movie introduces new characters as she builds this part of the Harry Potter universe further. It’s a very interesting development from where we start out. The work is pouring out of her.”
Although Yates shared this much with us, when asked if the sequel would also be set in America, he was not yet ready to disclose this information. Can we assume that this means we will see Newt Scamander travel back to his home in London, or perhaps somewhere new?
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!
See more on the subject here. And be sure to catch Fantastic Beasts in theaters November 18!
During a recent Pottermore interview, Award winning actor Dan Fogler who plays Jacob Kowalski in “Fantastic Beasts” spoke about his admiration and respect for co star Alison Sudol.
Speaking of his fondness towards Alison, who effortlessly exudes glamour as the character Queenie, Fogler says “Alison is an angel. She’s an angel”.
“The moment I saw her, I knew her energy was just perfect. When she gets in the make-up and she’s Queenie and she’s got the lights on her, she’s got skin that glows, you know? When I saw her for the first time, I was like, holy…. It’s Alison Monroe over here – Marilyn’s cousin.”
“She has that feminine, delicate quality about her that also lends itself to comedy in an Audrey Hepburn kind of way.”
With No-Maj character Jacob and Queenie, (sister of Tina) sparking our attention as they become part of the prevailing foursome of the film, it is already very exciting to see their relationships develop both on and off screen.
Dan continues ‘Together we’ve got a bit of an Adelaide and Nathan Detroit [from Guys and Dolls] thing going. So I’m always referencing something, that’s where I come from. I do a lot of homages in my work so I’m always referencing something. That’s what it feels like with the two of us.’
“She’s the real professional, she’s a rock star.”
Just like Harry Potter, with those endearing relationships built from the start between the likes of Dan, Emma and Rupert, fans can expect a second istallation of charming, genuine chemistry and sparking friendships yet again within the 3 upcoming films. The combination of four protagonists this time shows us it’s definitely going to be a bumpy ride for Newt, and we can’t wait to see how the story pans out for him and his friends.
To read the full interview, visit Pottermore here!
“Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them” debuts November 18th.
Today on Pottermore, Rowling released an essay giving more details about the North American School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Ilvermorny. This new information adds to the North American magical history as previously released by Rowling and reported here on Leaky. Pottermore released this teaser video for Rowling’s essay.
Ilvermorny was founded by a descendant of Salazar Slytherin. In Rowling’s essay “Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry” she tells of the witch Isolt Sayre born in Ireland to lovely helpful parents of pureblood decent. However, her parents were attacked and she went to live with her aunt Gormlaith Gaunt. Gormlaith refused to let her niece attend Hogwarts.
“Gormlaith refused to allow Isolt to take up her place at Hogwarts when the letter arrived, on the basis that Isolt would learn more at home than at a dangerously egalitarian establishment full of Mudbloods. However, Gormlaith herself had attended Hogwarts, and told Isolt a great deal about the school. In the main, she did this to denigrate the place, lamenting that Salazar Slytherin’s plans for the purity of wizardkind had not been fulfilled. To her niece, isolated and mistreated by an aunt she believed to be at least half insane, Hogwarts sounded like a kind of paradise and she spent much of her teens fantasising about it.”
Isolt finally fled to the New World. There she encountered magical creatures in particular a Hidebehind and Pukwudgie. Isolt saved the life of the Pukwudgie and the two became an unlikely pair. As time goes by Isolt and Pukwudgie encounter the Hidebehind again this time torturing a family. Isolt and William, the Pukwudgie, were able to save two young boys, Webster and Chadwick Boot. Isolt nursed the boys back to health and finally went to bury their parents. There she encountered James Seward.
“As Isolt watched, James finished marking the graves he had dug by hand, then picked up the two broken wands that had lain beside the Boot parents. Frowning he examined the sparking core of dragon heartstring that protruded from Mr Boot’s, then gave it a casual wave. As invariably happens when a No-Maj waves a wand, it rebelled. James was sent flying backwards across the clearing, hit a tree and was knocked out cold.”
Isolt told her family of Hogwarts and as Ilvermorny took shape the boys and Isolt’s muggle husband James decided the school should have four houses like Hogwarts. The houses were named after magical creatures and began to represent the personalities of the family.
“Thus were the four houses of Ilvermorny created, and while the four originators did not yet know it, much of their own characters leaked into the houses they had so light-heartedly named.”
The four houses of Ilvermorny, much like the houses of Hogwarts, identify particular personality traits that the founders valued.
“It is sometimes said of the Ilvermorny houses that they represent the whole witch or wizard: the mind is represented by Horned Serpent; the body, Wampus; the heart, Pukwudgie and the soul, Thunderbird. Others say that Horned Serpent favours scholars, Wampus, warriors, Pukwudgie, healers and Thunderbird, adventurers.”
You can read all of Rowling’s essay on Pottermore. There is also a link on Pottermore where you can be sorted into one of the houses of Ilvermorny.
The essay is full of details that only Rowling could provide. Rowling has expanded her magical world and bridged Hogwarts to Illvermorny. It is exciting to see the Wizarding World expand and develop!
Harry Potter is no stranger to the Lego treatment. The Harry Potter Series was transformed a few years ago into a Lego world in two separate video games. Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and Lego Harry Potter: Years: 5-7 were popular games where you could play as a variety of the HP Series characters as well as exploring the world of Harry Potter in a new and exciting way.
Now Harry, Voldemort, and even Newt Scamander are heading to the Lego Dimensions game. Pottermore has reported that
16 new worlds are coming, including a new Harry Potter expansion pack on 27 September, to be closely followed by Fantastic Beasts.
Lego Dimensions is an expandable game series in which a variety of characters from different universes interact with one another. This means Batman and Harry Potter can team up and take on the Wicked Witch of the West.
In time for the E3 Expo, Lego has released a trailer for the newly expanded Lego Dimensions world. Harry Potter is heavily featured and there is a sneak peek of Newt Scamander in his new Lego form.
With a quick glimpse of Newt ready to fight it will be exciting to see him come to life in this new Lego adventure. For the full details check out Pottermore.
With the wizarding world returning to the big screen with a movie called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, not only will the magic return but so will the many magical creatures we have come to love. But which ones will we meet again, and how many new ones will we be introduced to for the first time?
There were many different types of magical beasts that were mentioned and introduced throughout both the Harry Potter books and movies. We all have our favorites, the ones we’d want as a pet, and now, the ones we want to see return in the Fantastic Beasts movie. I’ve decided to explore a few of my personal favorites. I’ve got my copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them here to help us rediscover these fantastic beasts.
Shall we start with the obvious? Probably the most popular and most widely known throughout the wizarding world as well as the Harry Potter fandom. Terrifyingly beautiful, they are the hardest creature to conceal from muggles.
Dragons
We were first introduced to dragons in Harry’s first year, when Hagrid began raising a Norwegian Ridgeback in his cabin. They were mentioned many times from that point on, finally making a reappearance in Harry’s fourth year as the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. Since the four wizards each had to face a different dragon, we had the pleasure of being introduced to four new breeds: the Hungarian Horntail, the Chinese Fireball, the Swedish Short-Snout, and the Welsh Green.
There are ten different breeds of dragons known in the wizarding world but they occasionally interbreed, producing rare hybrid dragons. They have just a few different uses among wizards, namely for their wands. One option for the core of a wand is a dragon heart string. Other aspects of dragons are also useful in brewing potions or as fertilizer for plants.
As full beings, they have been known to be used as obstacles, sort of like guard dogs. Aside from the triwizard tournament, we see them used this way in the lower levels of Gringotts Bank. The Golden Trio even lived my dreams by flying a Ukrainian Ironbelly, the largest breed of dragon, to safety.
Moving on to one of my personal favorites.
Hippogriffs
A Hippogriff is a beautiful creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a horse. They first appeared in the books in Harry’s third year, when Hagrid took over the job of Care of Magical Creatures professor. Hagrid owned a beloved Hippogriff named Buckbeak. Luckily, Hippogriffs are one of the creatures Hagrid owned throughout the books that are actually able to be domesticated.
Hippogriffs are very sensitive creatures. One must be very careful when attempting to approach them, bowing low and keeping eye contact at all times. If the Hippogriff bows back, it is safe to approach farther. Also, it’d be wise to remember “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all,” otherwise you may end up with an injury or two.
Phoenix
Very few people have been able to domesticate these birds, but it is not impossible. Phoenixes are grand birds, with rich scarlet feathers and a golden tail. They are very gentle creatures whose tears have powerful healing properties. The Phoenix song is quite magical as well, it is believed that it can increase the courage of the pure of heart and strike fear into the hearts of the impure.
Ablus Dumbledore was one of the few able to domesticate a Phoenix. Harry, along with the rest of us, were quite confused when Fawkes suddenly burst into the flames the first time we saw him. Phoenixes have a regenerative ability that let’s them burst into flame when their body is weakening and be reborn from their ashes once again. They can also disappear and reappear at will, taking anyone holding onto them along with them. Kingsley Shacklebolt had it right, Dumbledore’s got style.
Acromantulas
I’ve never been one for spiders but I think if I ever came within 100 feet of an Acromantula I’d probably soil my pants. It may not be the prettiest magical creature that I know of but it is definitely one of the scariest and most interesting. An Acromantula is a large, eight-eyed spider that is capable of human speech and has near-human intelligence.
Hagrid raised an Acromantula from the egg, creating a profound bond between the two. The Acromantula, Aragog, inhabited the Forbidden Forest until it’s untimely death in 1997. Within it’s life, Aragog established a colony within the forest where it’s children still live today.
Since the latest trailer for Fantastic Beasts was released, we have caught a glimpse of two new beasts: the ever-adorable little trouble maker, the Niffler, and the Swooping Evil. The Swooping Evil isn’t in the Hogwarts textbook, so Warner Bros. will be including Beasts fans would never have expected. The Niffler, the creatures listed above, as well as many others, you can learn more about in the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them book!
Leave a comment about which fantastic beasts you’d like to see in the movie!
Since the release of the newest, full-length Fantastic Beasts trailer, the Fantastic Beasts cast and Warner Bros have started their journey on the promotional trail for the film. Recently, WB attended CinemaCon in Las Vegas, accompanied by actors and actresses from the various films they presented and intend on releasing in the next year or two.
Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Alyson Sudol, and Dan Fogler took the stage to present Fantastic Beasts with WB. Though the event is closed, and the behind the scenes material shown has not been released to the public, red carpet interviews with the cast are giving fans a little more insight. This recent interview of Dan Fogler (towards the end of the video) is more intriguing than most:
Dan Fogler seems to be implying that we will see (and possibly meet?) the younger versions of familiar Harry Potter characters. As most know, Fogler can be a bit of a jokester. Is he messing with Harry Potter fans or is his excitement real? His co-star, Alyson Sudol seem reassured that the world of Fantastic Beasts was pretty independent of that of Harry’s time at Hogwarts. But Dan Fogler’s excitement just seems too real! He pleads the 5th! Why?
We can’t wait to find out. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits theaters November 18, 2016.
Following the exciting release of another amazing Fantastic Beasts trailer at the MTV Movie Awards yesterday evening (which you can read about here and watch below), Pottermore caught an exclusive interview with Eddie Redmayne himself – and it’s just about the loveliest interview you’ll ever read!
As we know,Fantastic Beasts will be dealing with a very different setting to that of the Harry Potter series. Tom Riddle is just being born (in 1926), Albus Dumbledore is still teaching Transfiguration at Hogwarts (and apparently advocating against Newt’s expulsion), and we’re being wooshed away to New York, to see how the American wizarding (and No-Maj) world of the 1920’s differs from the British version of the 1990’s-2000’s.
Talking about the pressure of adding to the legacy of Potter, and helping to create this entirely new story, Eddie remains humble as ever, showing how much he cares about the series and his character:
“‘Each time you put a little thing like that out into the world, it feels nerve-wracking,’ he says, in his reverent British half-whisper. ‘The weird thing about film-making is that you make films as a team and together, you care about every bit that goes out. You care what people think. I care.’
Eddie blinks a couple of times, earnestly, and it’s clear that he does. He’s the kind of actor who keeps a piece of his characters in his heart. He adores Newt Scamander especially, you can tell.
‘When I first heard the notion of this film and that it was set in a totally different time period [to Harry Potter] the question for me was, would those worlds ever collide? When I read the script, the delicacy with which J.K. Rowling weaves the names and the characters of a different generation to the one we know and love excited me. It still does.’
As for Newt’s expulsion and the reason he’s arrived in New York City?
‘I can say nothing further about that,’ Eddie says, holding tight onto the secret. “
You can tell Eddie really knows his stuff – we love an actor who gets into the story as much as us (we’re looking at you, Evanna Lynch)!
‘Newt is much better at communicating with beasts and spending time with his creatures than perhaps he is with human interaction. On the journey of this film, he begins to find connections with people but he’s not exactly a people-pleaser. What I love about Newt Scamander is that he’s his own person. He’s a passionate man and he’ll do anything for those beasts.’
Our frame-by-frame analysis of the trailer gives a closer look at one of the more adorable beasts in Newt’s intriguing briefcase, and allows us to see that the briefcase holds beastie characters we’ll get to know more throughout the film. The mysterious Pottermore Correspondent chooses to focus on this strange (but cute!) little beast:
‘The Niffler!’ says Eddie, with a slight shake of his fist on Newt’s behalf. ‘As you know, I have a love-hate relationship with that little guy. He gets a little moment in the trailer, the Niffler. He’s ravaging a purse. I thought he did pretty immaculately in his debut but there’s a lot more Niffler to come. He looked so sweet and adorable just then but don’t be fooled.’
Eddie beams with genuine affection for the little beast and sighs with relief that he can finally talk about a few more things that appear in the film. Now that the trailer’s out, he’s got approximately eight fewer secrets to keep until November.
‘I’m so bad at keeping secrets, so anything being out there that I don’t have to hide anymore is good,’ he says.
We know that Eddie’s a busy man, and we also know that he’s expecting a baby with his wife – apparently he’s taking a well-deserved break (but probably not for long – the sequel’s still to come, and another after that!):
‘Do you know, I am actually taking a wee break,’ he says. ‘My wife is having a baby and we thought we’d travel a little. What was wonderful about Fantastic Beasts is that it was fully immersive but the shoot was long, it was six months and it was rigorous. I put everything I had into it so, yeah, it’s time for a wee break.’
But one of the best parts of the interview doesn’t even involve any interviewing – the Pottermore Correspondent beautifully sums up Eddie’s shining personality with a quick observation, making us even more confident that he’s the Newt we never knew we were looking for:
“And with that, Eddie stands, hugs me goodnight, climbs the narrow black stairs down from his trailer, stops to film 11 seconds of fireworks on his phone and jumps into the black car waiting for him outside.”
We can’t wait to see/hear more about the film (which hits cinemas November 18th!) – catch the trailer below, and read our frame by frame analysis here!
Yesterday, Eddie Redmayne gave us the biggest present at the MTV Movie Awards. Who was not jumping and squealing with excitement and joy after watching the first full-length theatrical trailer of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? All of us at Leaky were gushing, and we could hardly contain ourselves.
After reviewing everything we know about the Fantastic Beast films so far a couple months ago with the release of a Fantastic Beast’s clip (see the Leaky analysis article here), we see the new trailer reveals so much more information! It’s a bucket full of whole new content–more than just 16 new facts, sorry Pottermore. (See Pottermore’s article on 16 new things we learned about the trailer here.)
The music was magical. Our skin tingled hearing the familiar Hedwig’s theme, and familiar Harry Potter scores with a new twist.
The trailer (undoubtedly, as will the movie) opens with the familiar Warner Bros logo, freshly polished since it’s rusty Harry Potter days. From this first frame, we can already tell we are in for one magical ride. (Click to enlarge all photos)
We first see Eddie Redmayne as New Scamander, sitting alone on a bench in New York city. He hasn’t found his core group of friends yet, don’t worry Newt, we’ve all been there. Over this frame, Colin Farrell, as Graves, narrates his opinion of Newt.
Graves’s voice is rather scary, almost sinister, as if he’s interrogating Mr. Scamander (we do know that Newt is in some deep, serious trouble with MACUSA, and Graves is chief of Wizarding Police, aka Head Auror). “You’re an interesting man, Mr. Scamander,” Graves says. We agree.
As Newt enters 1920’s America, aboard a ship like the thousands of immigrants coming in from Europe at the time, we get our first beautiful glimpse at the Wizarding World’s 1920’s New York skyline.
Graves makes a jab at Newt and his troublesome suite case, saying “You’re an interesting man, Mr. Scamander. Just like your suit case. I think there’s much more to you than meets the eye.” And with that, ladies and gentlemen, we get our first look at a beast as it peaks out of Newt’s case…peaking out? That’s slightly problematic…though, those cute little beasty hands don’t look threatening at all!
Then things get real serious, real quick. Newt was kicked out of Hogwarts for endangering a human life with a beast…sounds like he and Hagrid would get along very well.
While Graves’s tells us this grievous fact, we see that Newt probably did well in Herbology during his time at Hogwarts. Not unlike his fellow Hufflepuff, Professor Sprout. Newt is seen brewing up something magical.
Newt is at a table overflowing with plants, and what looks like a large slab of meat. He isn’t being very secretive about what he’s doing, as Jacob is sitting off in the corner. This means, at this point, No-Maj Jacob has already been introduced to the world of magic.
Ooohhh, sparkly! What’cha making there, Newt? A remedy?
If endangering a human life with a beast didn’t sound bad enough in Graves’s deep voice, add in the dramatic orchestra music (we cannot wait for this sound track) and rushing down a dark 1920’s street, with cars headed straight at you. Look at that outdoor set! It’s fantastic.
Newt, in this next frame, we see the way you’re looking at Tina. We agree–your future wife is very beautiful, and she cleans up well. Tina Goldstein looks like she’s ready for a good night out on the town…except wait. It’s the 1920’s and Prohibition is roaring as strong as the speak easies…that guy over her right shoulder looks like he’s had a rough night.
We quickly change from Newt staring lovingly at his gorgeous future wife, to a good look at a 1920s bank. Something bad happens at this bank–and it’s not a market crash, Black Thursday is still a few years away. While Newt is in line, he suddenly feels the need to glance over his shoulder. Something magical and fishy is happening…
Honestly, the glance over the shoulder is a look of pure terror.
During this scene, and while we get a good look at the 1920’s American immigration system (which is still a hot topic in American politics today), Graves tells us that one of Newt’s professors fought for him to stay at Hogwarts. Albus Dumbledore.
In the 1920’s Albus Dumbledore would be a strapping young wizard at the age of 40. However, he would already be well-known around the world for his brilliance. At this time, Dumbledore would be a Transfiguation professor. He would hold this teaching position for at least another 17 years. (It is 1926, the same year Tom Riddle was born, and Dumbledore would still be teaching Transfiguration during young Voldy’s school days).
While Newt steps hesitantly towards the United States’ Customs (don’t worry, we understand your hesitation), Graves narrates, “What makes Albus Dumbledore so found of you, Mr. Scamander?” We have to admit, being recognized by a genius like Dumbledore is pretty impressive. But look at that face! Eddie, Newt, what’s not to love?
As Newt gets questioned by a customs officer, we learn some pretty valuable information. It is Newt’s first trip to America! …And then we hear his case click open. That’s not good.
Newt calmly (a little too calmly) looks down and says oops, he must get that fixed. Oops? OOPS!? That’s a big oops. Newt, we can see how some little beasties escaped, and we can definitely see how you found yourself in a bucket load of trouble!
As the USA customs officer continues to ask Eddie a few questions, Eddie sneakily changes his case to Muggle Mode. That’s awesome. Don’t deny it all of us have found ourselves in a situation where we could use a Muggle mode on our bags.
Let’s see…Newt has a Hufflepuff scarf (awe!), a city map of New York, another map with places circled in red, a very nice camera, and some muggle/no-maj clothing.
The USA customs officer asks Eddie if he has anything edible in his case, or any live stock (Note: though this process shares some similarities with current American customs, the process is pretty much nothing like this). Eddie looks in the custom officer’s face and lies.
That, above, is the “you hesitated” face. Newt, you hesitated. We know what’s really in that case. Though, it’s not the sort of live stock the officer had in mind. But “Welcome to New York”! Let the chaos begin!
As soon as Newt is allowed into New York, the trailer moves into an action frame. With dramatic orchestra music, we see a group of uniformly dressed men running through MACUSA and down the stairs. Dispatch the aurors! Trouble is here!
Take a minute to take in the MACUSA atrium, as we get another look at it. There is a 1920’s lift next to the stairs (how considerate), and a large central clock. Along the far end of the room, we see employees working at their desks. A white marble statue, possibly of a former MACUSA President, stands above their desks. A rather large banner of the current MACUSA Madam President, Seraphina, hangs above them as well–looking down and watching over everyone in the MACUSA atrium…
The Harry Potter films were incredibly detailed, and it looks like the Fantastic Beasts films will not disappoint in this area. Newspapers often give away many clues about what is going on in the wizarding world. This one second frame is no different (click to enlarge the pictures).
The New York G– is what the picture shows. It must be the wizarding version of the New York Gazette, which was New York’s first newspaper in real life. If you feel like a brief History of Muggles lesson, see more information on the New York Gazette here.
The Second Salemers are at large, as one headline on the back page reads, “International Wizard Hunt Intensifies.” On the same page, we see there are some wizards that might be contributing to this distress. Alberto Macellarus is wanted for 3,500 Dragots (American Wizarding money), for counterfeiting wands and murder–he is “bearing a wand and extremely dangerous!” Newt and his troubles is a jar of butterflies compared to that guy.
On the same page, an article tracks the “Threat Levels of Magical Exposure” from 1913-1926, and “Federal Bureau of Covert Vigilance and No-Maj obliviation” records a record number of penalties issued.
The biggest headline is “Magical Disturbances Risk Wizarding Exposure,” with a supporting article stating that President Seraphina Picquery is to “address fearful American Wizarding Community.”
As we learned in the History of North America stories from J.K. Rowling, MACUSA has a much more strict statute of secrecy than the rest of the world. They try to completely isolate themselves from the No-Maj world.
On a lighter note, the newspaper also reports “Sports,” “Wizbiz,” “Celestial Updates” and a “Wizards Checkers” newspaper puzzle game like the New York Time’s crossword puzzle.
We then see Newt and Tina, walking somberly up the steps of MACUSA that aurors were rushing down a few frames before. With all of the political no-maj unrest, and Newt’s ultimate rule breaking habits, we can see why a visit to MACUSA might be no laughing matter. They are probably not there for a cup of tea and biscuits.
In the next few frames, we return to what looks like a secret night out. In this frame, Newt looks more weary of magic than Jacob–Jacob is so used to it by now. Wizards, of course, don’t have to abide by no-maj prohibition. As J.K. Rowling wrote in her North American history of magic lessons:
“Unlike the No-Maj community of the 1920s, MACUSA allowed witches and wizards to drink alcohol. Many critics of this policy pointed out that it made witches and wizards rather conspicuous in cities full of sober No-Majs. However, in one of her rare light-hearted moments, President Picquery was heard to say that being a wizard in America was already hard enough. ‘The Gigglewater’, as she famously told her Chief of Staff, ‘is non-negotiable.’”
It looks like a pretty dark and sketchy place to be…however, Queenie looks like she’s enjoying their little adventure.
Let’s take a break and just admire this outdoor set for a couple frames:
Ahhhh…okay moving on.
As we know from Liverpool set reports last November, a rally of Second Salemers makes quite the ruckus outside a no-maj American political event. They apparently support a presidential candidate named “Shaw.”
It’s not hard to see why…his political dinner looks a wee bit fascist (just a little). He doesn’t look like he’d be too friendly with the MACUSA or the United States wizarding community.
It looks like someone with a super strong Diluminator interrupted Shaw’s event and started taking out the lights and chandeliers. That can’t be good. That’s going to hurt the American wizarding community.
Definitely not a Diluminator. Whatever blew out the lights is throwing people across rooms a few frames later. This really can’t be good.
Hello, Graves. Try smiling sometime; you’re wearing this wonderful coat. The coat is totally worth all the trouble going down in your world right now.
Remember back when a young girl named Faith was cast as a character named Modesty? If you don’t, here is a refresher. As the Harry Potter Wikia reminds us, “she was a haunted young girl with inner strength and stillness. She also possessed an ability to see deep into people and understand them. Modesty met Newton Scamander during his travels in New York, at which time she was between the age of eight and twelve.“
That’s her.
Meanwhile, Newt and Tina find themselves in a sticky situation in what looks like underground tunnels. They are hiding and trying to run from those scary looking dudes on the right.
Then Newt has this brilliant idea.
He’s just going to through this blue and green ball of beast at their pursuers. Honestly, where did you pull that from, Newt? Your pocket?
It’s half-butterfly half-bat with a skull for a face. It’s a “Swooping Evil.” At least that is what the coding and title tag on the Pottermore official picture (picture number 14) calls it. It is not in the little Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them textbook written by J.K. Rowling. This must be a new invention…sadly, that means we don’t know what it does. It’s name suggests something sinister, and it’s face doesn’t look nice.
Seriously, it doesn’t. It’s the type of face that haunts you in your dreams.
That’s the face you’d make after seeing a Swooping Evil in your dreams.
When an auror bursts into a speak easy by apparating, it must be a magical speak easy or that would be breaking a lot of laws. He’s definitely not there to confiscate that alcohol…so maybe he’s after Newt and the gang?
Graves is definitely after them, and he’s giving it his all in this scene. The situation must be dire if he, head auror, is casting that much magic in a no-maj subway.
A second fantastic beast! Hello, little guy! You are much cuter than that Swooping Evil thing. It looks like it was your tiny claws peaking out of the suitcase in the beginning frames. Ladies and gentlemen, meet a Niffler.
In the Fantastic Beasts textbook by J.K. Rowling, the Harry Potter author describes a Niffler as such:
A little trouble maker, but an adorable one. Looks like he’s got a hold on Queenie’s purse.
Can we laugh at the 1920’s NYPD? They have no idea what they’re up against. I highly doubt those guns are a match for magic.
Queenie definitely looks suspicious. And it looks like she’s coming out of the MACUSA elevator…hmmm.
Mean while, Tina and Newt, back in the underground tunnels, are making a run for it.
I don’t think that Swooping Evil creature did its job…
…it’s hard to tell if they make it out of this situation.
Newt resorts to jumping off a building and apparating before he can fall. Don’t try this at home unless you are a very skilled wizard. Even then, we don’t recommend it.
Graves starts narrating again. We learn that “no human can do what this thing is capable of.” Sounds like something really nasty escaped from Newt’s case, because President Seriphina and Graves do not look happy. They’re stylish, but not happy.
The Fantastic Beast logo flies onto the screen, but the trailer doesn’t end there. The Harry Potter music, though! Hedwig’s theme just sinks right down to the soul!
In fact, the funniest, most adorable Newt-Jacob bro moment is saved for last. We now understand what David Heyman meant when he said, “[Beasts] is very funny, it’s got a big heart, and there’s darkness too.”
Newt’s face as he struggles to get to sleep. That moment, when you’re lying in bed and you have an idea that just pushes you out of bed and you startle your roommate, who is drinking some bed-time hot coco and reading “Cassandra and Her Cat Gustavus.”
Of course, that brilliant idea that pushes Newt out of bed is stepping into his case. Don’t think Hermione ever went inside her beaded bag…is that a good idea?
Of course, good idea or not, then Newt whistles to his no-maj roomie and motions him to follow. Jacob’s “who, me?” look is priceless. Maybe he’d rather stay in bed with that cup of hot coco and read about Cassandra and her cat Gustav…eh, who are we kidding?
The entire Fantastic Beasts trailer [HD] can be seen below. We’ve watched it a million times, and we’re sure you have too–never enough! Let us know if we missed anything. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits theaters November 18.
Last week, Leaky reported that Eddie Redmayne will be appearing at the MTV Movie Awards to make a special Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them announcement that included a clip showing new material. Warner Bros has confirmed that the announcement will include a world premiere of a new theatrical teaser trailer for the film. Perhaps the movie’s first full-length trailer.
Stay tuned to Leaky tonight when the trailer is released. More news to come. The MTV Movie Awards are at 9:00 PM EST tonight.
As many fans may know, Hot Topic has been a Harry Potter partner for eons. Okay, maybe not eons, but they have been a place for fans to purchase official Harry Potter merchandise since Harry Potter became a “hot topic” many years ago.
Recently, Hot Topic has started a new brand and initiative called BoxLunch. With only a handful of stores around California and Texas (though, more are coming soon!), Hot Topic’s new brand caters to a slightly different audience than their normal Hot Topic stores. BoxLunch sells similar pop culture merchandise as their Hot Topic parent, but through a partnership with Feeding America, with every $10 a customer spends, BoxLunch helps provide a meal to a person in need.
If there isn’t a store near you, visit the BoxLunch website and “get some–give some.” BoxLunch sells men and women’s apparel, accessories, home decorations, Funko Pop! figures, and more.
To support HotTopic with their new initiative, Leaky is taking part in a BoxLunch give away! Hot Topic and BoxLunch has generously donated a Marauder’s Map trow pillow, Deathly Hallows mini bag, and a $50 gift card! To be put in the running to win one of these fantastic Harry Potter prizes, be the first to answer the following questions correctly. Honesty Policy: try to answer all the questions without cheating–like googling the answers all the questions. Email your answers to [email protected].
1. Who causes the most mischief at Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry?
2. Not completely without loyalty, to which two students did [Answer to Question 1] show respect for during Dolores Umbridge’s attempt to control Hogwarts? (“Give her hell from us…”)
3. What is a Skiving Snackbox? What four types of candies are included?
4. What trick did the Weasley Twins play on their Auntie Muriel that got them written out of her will?
5. What product does the following slogan belong to? “Ruin a gentleman’s day by making his hat fly away!”
6. What is the “Dungbom Rule” that Ron wrote? In which of Harry’s textbooks did he write it?
7. What candy did the Weasley Twins drop for Dudley to eat, and what was the affect?
8. What trick did Harry, Ron, and Hermione play on Crab and Goyle in their quest for Polyjuice Potion ingredients?
9. What spell did Draco use to capture Harry when the Inquisitorial Squad captured members of Dumbledore’s Army?
10. What did Peeves chase Dolores Umbridge with as she fled Hogwarts?
In the meantime! Miss tasting that yummy Butterbeer at the Harry Potter parks? Or can’t go to the parks because they are too far away? Check out BoxLunches new, and available for a limited time only, Butterbeer kit!
There is another Harry Potter publishing and merchandising partner coming to brick and mortar stores across the country!
BoxLunch is here to “get some” and “give some”. With only a handful of stores around California and Texas (though, more are coming soon!), the new store caters to a slightly different audience than other Harry Potter merchandise retailers. BoxLunch sells similar pop culture merchandise as seen in other stores, but also, through a partnership with Feeding America, with every $10 a customer spends, BoxLunch helps provide a meal to a person in need.
If there isn’t a store near you, visit the BoxLunch website and “get some–give some.” BoxLunch sells men and women’s apparel, accessories, home decorations, Funko Pop! figures, and more.
To support BoxLunch and their new initiative, Leaky is taking part in a BoxLunch give away! BoxLunch has generously donated a Marauder’s Map trow pillow, Deathly Hallows mini bag, and a $50 gift card! To be put in the running to win one of these fantastic Harry Potter prizes, be the first to answer the following questions correctly. Honesty Policy: try to answer all the questions without cheating–like googling the answers all the questions. Also, please retweet or repost BoxLunch’s post about their new Butterbeer kit (see below)! Email your answers and links to your retweets/reposts to [email protected].
1. Who causes the most mischief at Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry?
2. Not completely without loyalty, to which two students did [Answer to Question 1] show respect for during Dolores Umbridge’s attempt to control Hogwarts? (“Give her hell from us…”)
3. What is a Skiving Snackbox? What four types of candies are included?
4. What trick did the Weasley Twins play on their Auntie Muriel that got them written out of her will?
5. What product does the following slogan belong to? “Ruin a gentleman’s day by making his hat fly away!”
6. What is the “Dungbom Rule” that Ron wrote? In which of Harry’s textbooks did he write it?
7. What candy did the Weasley Twins drop for Dudley to eat, and what was the affect?
8. What trick did Harry, Ron, and Hermione play on Crab and Goyle in their quest for Polyjuice Potion ingredients?
9. What spell did Draco use to capture Harry when the Inquisitorial Squad captured members of Dumbledore’s Army?
10. What did Peeves chase Dolores Umbridge with as she fled Hogwarts?
In the meantime! Miss tasting that yummy Butterbeer at the Harry Potter parks? Or can’t go to the parks because they are too far away? Check out BoxLunches new, and available for a limited time only, Butterbeer kit!
Following last week’s announcement of the publishing partners assisting with the creation and distribution of Fantastic Beasts merchandise and companion books, press releases from the publishers are circulating, giving us little hints at what to expect.
The CEO of Insight Editions, Raoul Goff, said of the announcement:
“Insight is thrilled to continue working with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, extending our current line of Harry Potter film-related products to include Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The Fantastic Beasts line will have a little something for everybody and will feature all of the hallmarks of quality and creativity that fans have come to expect from the Harry Potter film publishing program.”
Their press release reminds us of their great merchandise, and the amazing works partnerships like this can produce on a global scale:
“For the last seven years, Insight Editions has published a wide range of books and collectible products for the Harry Potter franchise, including the Monster Book of Monsters prop replica (featuring a limited edition of Harry Potter: The Creature Vault), Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Book, and several other titles and formats released in over twenty-five languages worldwide.
In addition to products they have published themselves, Insight Editions has created multiple books for the Harry Potter film franchise that have been published in the US through HarperCollins and Scholastic—including the New York Times bestsellers Harry Potter: Film Wizardry, Harry Potter: Page to Screen, and Harry Potter Coloring Book.
“Our partnerships, both in the US and internationally, have become a cornerstone of the success of our Harry Potter film publishing,” said Goff. “We look forward to creating an equally strong global program for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them for years to come.”
Ellie Berger – President of Scholastic Trade – commented on the partnership:
“As the U.S. publisher that introduced Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to American readers in 1998, we are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to complement the expansion of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. We look forward to bringing the world of these amazing movies to existing fans and a new generation of readers.”
Catherine Bell, Scholastic UK’s Co. Group Managing Director, said:
“We are delighted to be publishing the tie-in programmes for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the original Harry Potter movies. With a range of exciting formats, we look forward to bringing the world of these amazing movies to existing fans and a new generation of readers.”
Iole Lucchese, President of Scholastic Canada, commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to create products complementing the broadening scope of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. This publishing program for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, marks the start of an exciting year for J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, generating a magical publishing moment for Canadian fans and readers.”
Chief Executive of HarperCollins UK, Charlie Redmayne, commented:
“We are delighted to be publishing the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them tie-in books. The film promises to be a spectacular rendering of the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling, and the books will be the perfect companions for fans everywhere.”
President and CEO of HarperCollins Worldwide, Brian Murray, said:
“For the first time we are able to seamlessly plan, coordinate and integrate book publication of film tie-in editions across multiple languages and markets with Warner Bros. Consumer Products in North America and internationally to ensure the widest possible readership and awareness of the books and the film.
You can read the full press releases over at Mugglenet, here, and our coverage of the original announcement here!
Get those 2016 Christmas wish-lists ready! Earlier this morning, Business Wire released the press announcement of publishing partners that will be assisting in the creation and distribution of Fantastic Beasts merchandise and companion books.
We will see the familiar crew coming together–Scholastic, the major American publisher of Harry Potter, HarperCollins, publishers of Harry Potter film companion books such as Harry Potter: The Creature Vault and Harry Potter: The Character Vault and more, and Insight Editions, who have worked on Harry Potter collectors titles in the past–are all on board.
Business Wire reported on the three publishing companies involvement in the project, saying:
“Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, has a multi-year global publishing deal for books based on the upcoming films and the Harry Potter™ film franchise. The extensive licensed publishing agreement includes all language rights for new movie tie-in books in multiple formats. Under the agreement, Scholastic will publish children’s movie tie-in books for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and its sequels, as well as tie-in books based on the original eight Harry Potter films.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will also be supported by HarperCollins, the second largest consumer book publisher in the world, which has been awarded global publishing rights to the films for adult tie-in books. The HarperCollins titles will delve into the making of the film and include details about the process of art and design, interviews with the cast and filmmakers, and interactive formats such as coloring books and postcard collections.
“Insight Editions, a long-time publisher of a wide range of books and collectible products for the Harry Potter film franchise, has also acquired rights to a global publishing program in support of the new films that returns fans to the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling. The program, which launches in Fall 2016, will include deluxe novelty and paper engineered books across a variety of formats.”
Business Wire goes on to give back ground synopsis’s on Fantastic Beasts, J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. and all three publishers. For more information, read the original article, here.
The one-minute video promotes the history of America as never heard or seen before, more magical and amazing than we know thus far. The video also links all of this new material and information about the Wizarding World to the upcoming series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
There will be four new stories released throughout the week. According to EW, the Telegraph, and Pottermore, we may expect the first story tomorrow, March 8, and the last story this Friday, March 11. Pottermore reports:
You’ve got four days of new writing by J.K. Rowling to look forward to – as always, remember to breathe.
…there’s just so much more to tell you about witches and wizards across the world.
Magic in North America will bring to light the history of this previously unexplored corner of the wizarding world in the run up to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. And you’ll want to get up to speed before the film comes around in November.
It’s going to be quite a week. Check back on Pottermore tomorrow at 2pm GMT to read the first piece.
The video gave a preview of what to expect with North American wizarding history–topics covering the new North American School, Ilvermorny, “Skin-Walkers” (implying Native American tribal legends or history), the infamous Salem Witch trials (which leads to a very strict statute of secrecy within the United States), and MACUSA (the Magical Congress of the United States of America).
Even with these writings, this new world and new material will come to life on screen through the Fantastic Beasts series. Possibly more information about North American history will be given in the first movie than we are given this week. It would be great if this new series, revolving around the globe trotting Newt, explored different parts of the world in the following films (perhaps visiting other Wizarding Schools that were revealed earlier this year).
Much more to come! Keep an eye on Pottermore and Leaky.
Eddie Redmayne sat down with the Telegraph for a very lengthy interview looking at his career thus far. Arguably, it is quite an impressive one. Among his many awards and nominations, Redmayne has won a Tony, Olivier, Best Shakespearean Performance from the Critics’ Circle Awards, Golden Glob, SAG, and an Oscar for his role as Stephen Hawking. While working on Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them, Eddie has also been promoting his 2016 Oscar-nominated film, The Danish Girl.
And now he is the lead actor in one of the biggest film franchises in movie history (assuming that Fantastic Beasts is included in the Harry Potter franchise–who knows, it might be big enough to become its own franchise!).
Eddie talked of taking the role of Newt Scamander, what it was like to be working on such a big film with such a big budget, and how he researched for this role as he does for all his roles. Research for a magic zoologist? Yeah, totally possible. The Telegraph reports:
He says he is having a lot of fun on Fantastic Beasts. Directed by David Yates (who made the final four Harry Potter films), the cast includes Katherine Waterston, Samantha Morton and Colin Farrell. The film is set 70 years before the Harry Potter story begins, in New York, where Newt Scamander is attending the Magical Congress of the United States of America, following his world travels to find magical creatures.
‘What has been so great about this one is seeing a bigger budget being used,’ he says. ‘Every single head of department on this film is at the top of their game so they use that to the most extraordinary effect. The other day I was looking down at a set they have built, New York streets in the 1920s, and as far as your eye can see are cars, smoke machines, extras… It feels like going back to, and maybe we romanticise it, but a golden age of Hollywood with this huge scale of things.’
I wonder what he did to prepare for the role of Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts. ‘Part of what I do, in relation to research is’ – he is laughing – ‘about exploiting the fact that you have one of the best jobs in the world. If you are given access to amazing astronomers to educate you when playing Stephen Hawking, why wouldn’t you meet them?
‘As I am playing a magizoologist I thought, why don’t I go and shack up at London Zoo for a bit,’ he continues. ‘I spent a few days there and then I went down to Damien Aspinall’s place, Port Lympne in Kent, and met the amazing handlers there. Some of them sleep with baby tigers when they’re born. What was important for me here was to see how people with such a close relationship with animals communicate with them, because Newt has that. Then it is just a lot of fun.’
In the lengthy interview, Eddie goes on to talk about his career, the awards he’s been nominated for, how he got into acting and manages being nervous while performing, and being voted GQ’s Best Dressed in 2016 (his dad is his fashion icon!). The rest of the interview may be read here.
That’s right, ladies and gentleman, after a long and earned-filled wait, your Pottercast withdrawals are over! Pottercast is BACK! The gang is back and discussing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
The release of the “eighth story,” and now “the eighth book,” has stirred up a lot of conversation and debate. In the latest episode of Pottercast, Melissa, John and Frak give their thoughts and opinions on Cursed Child, its form as a play versus a book, the publishing of the script (or “book”), and the relevance of Cursed Child not being solely written by J.K. Rowling.
Of course, one could not get away without talking about the many Pottermore revelations that have occurred as of late, so there’s a little extra thrown in there about additional Wizarding World content in addition to Cursed Child.
Pottercast episode #256 is available to download through iTunes, here. In order to download the new episode, please subscribe to Pottercast! It’s great to be back!
Following speculations, Pottermore and Little Brown UK have just announced that the script book for Cursed Child will be released July 31st (Harry Potter / J.K. Rowling’s birthday)!
A host of new print and digital publishing has been announced from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, including a Special Rehearsal Edition of the script book of new stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II.
Print and digital editions will publish simultaneously after the play’s world premiere this summer, and will comprise of the version of the play script at the time of the play’s preview performances.
Theatre previews allow the creative team the chance to rehearse and explore scenes further before a production’s official opening night. Harry Potter and the Cursed Childopens for previews several weeks before its official first performance on Saturday 30 July and the Special Rehearsal Edition of the script book will later be replaced by a Definitive Collector’s Edition.
The news confirms that fans around the world will be able to join this next venture into the Wizarding World, so don’t fret if you didn’t get tickets to the play!
Pottermore also announced the release of Special Editions, and Jim Kay’s next illustrated edition of Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets!:
Next year will see the publication of four special editions of the first book in the UK, one for each of the four Hogwarts houses. There will also be a brand new edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in 2017, with new content by J.K. Rowling, as well as new formats and editions of the Hogwarts Library books – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard.
Pottermore doesn’t play favourites, but we’re especially looking forward to nabbing a copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets illustrated by Jim Kay. That’s coming a little sooner, in October 2016, and we’ll be prodding Jim for a look at his latest work soon because we’re nosy like that.
2016 is looking like a huge year – Cursed Child, Fantastic Beasts, more Jim Kay illustrations – what more could we want?!
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