Fans first fell in love with J.K. Rowling and her wizarding world in 1997 when “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” was first published. Over the years, the seven book Harry Potter series transformed into the best selling book series of all time. The first film adaption of the series came out in 2001 and the Harry Potter following grew in size. Now, almost 20 years after the release of the first book, the fan base will grow again.
In 2001, J.K. Rowling wrote “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” It was based on a textbook that Harry Potter used at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now, later this year, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will premiere on the big screen. Despite the stand-alone book’s short length–128 pages–it has been suggested that the book will be stretched into three movies. Fans, who were heartbroken when the original series ended, could not be happier. “I am very excited for the new movie to come out,” Bangor resident Hillary Riedel says. “I have always been a devoted Harry Potter fan. I read every book several times and I own all of the movies. I don’t think I could ever be sick of the HP universe.”
Even Harry Potter fans who have not read the books are excited for the new film. D.J. Steeves of Hampden commented on the upcoming release, “I have never been a big reader, so I’ve only ever seen the Harry Potter movies. I love them. I’ve also been to the Wizarding World at Universal Studios in Florida and it was one of the coolest experiences. I’m not 100 percent sure what this new movie is about, but anything to do with the Harry Potter universe has got to be cool.”
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will follow the author of the textbook with the same name, Newt Scamander. It takes place in the 1920s, long before Harry Potter was born. Fans should not expect to see him in the film. Also, the film will be set in New York. This is a big contrast to the Harry Potter films that were set in the United Kingdom. According to the book, Scamander had been traveling the world researching magical creatures. He did this for nine years before publishing his book, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
J.K. Rowling, the author, is screenwriting the movie, which is set to premiere Nov. 18, 2016.
