One of the big questions posed toFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themis whether audiences are interested in aHarry Potterstory without Harry Potter. Indeed, the filmisan original story set in the wizarding world, conceived and scripted byJ.K. Rowlingherself, but is that enough? The key, I think, will be in whether these new characters are compelling and build a new connection to audiences, and given Rowling’s track record with both story and character—not just inPotterbut also her Cormoran Strike novels—it’s safe to assume we’ll be falling in love with theseFantastic Beastsfolks in short order.
But just because the film is set in 1920s America doesn’t mean it’s only tangentially connected to theHarry Pottersaga. We’ve already heardColin Farrell’s Auror speak the name “Albus Dumbledore” in trailers, and in a new video featuring starEzra Miller, anotherbigconnection toHarry Potteris teased: Gellert Grindewald.
We know fromPotterlore that around the time thatFantastic Beastsis set, Grindewald was in possession of the Elder Wand and was doing some dark things indeed. We also know, from Rowling, that Grindewald was the love of Dumbledore’s life. So there’s certainly some fascinating drama to be mined, and as Miller teases in the video below, it may play a significant role inFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themandthe four planned sequels.
This video is also mighty entertaining. When I was visiting the set ofFantastic Beastslast year, I was struck by how passionate a fan ofPotterMiller was. Seriously, this guy is a hugeHarry Potternerd, andduring our interviewhe was candid about how much Rowling’s book series means to him. Given that and the humorous nature of the video below, I implore Warner Bros. to make “Ezra Miller Gets Nerdy aboutHarry Potter” a recurring series.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themopens in theaters on November 18th.
