If you’re a Harry Potter nut like myself, then you’re probably still reeling from the terrific teaser trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them that debuted last night. The film is an all-new, entirely original story from the mind (and pen) of J.K. Rowling that takes place within the Harry Potter universe, albeit 80+ years before the events of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Set in 1920s New York, Fantastic Beasts follows the adventures of magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), who runs into a bit of trouble during a pit stop in the Big Apple when his briefcase full of magical creatures pops open, unleashing a slew of somewhat dangerous animals on the streets of one of the world’s biggest cities.
The new trailer not only gave us a closer look at the film’s world and creatures, but also featured a major Harry Potter connection in that Albus Dumbledore is referenced explicitly. If you’re wondering what all of that’s about, not to fear, Fantastic Beasts screenwriter and Harry Potter creator Rowling took to Twitter to clarify:
Producer David Heyman previously said not to expect any familiar faces in this first film at least (Fantastic Beasts is designed as a trilogy), so while we may not see young Dumbledore onscreen later this year, it’s neat to know that this connection exists. Moreover, it makes sense. Dumbledore is one of the most powerful wizards of all time, so to go through Fantastic Beasts and not at least make a reference to him as a character would’ve rung false.
David Yates, who helmed the final four Harry Potter films, directs Fantastic Beasts with a cast that also includes Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, and Carmen Ejogo. And, as revealed last night, James Newton Howard is composing the film’s score after Alexandre Desplat scored the two-part Deathly Hallows finale.
What say you folks? Are you enthused to see that Dumbledore makes a semi-cameo in Fantastic Beasts? Are your hopes as high as mine for this spinoff? Sound off in the comments below. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opens in theaters on November 18th.
