‘Harry Potter’ fans are in for an exciting 2016, thanks to the arrival of ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’.
Despite the ‘Harry Potter’ book and film series both now being long over, JK Rowling’s wizarding world is about to re-enter our lives, thanks to the first film in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ trilogy, a new spin-off film series which will tell the story of adventurer and explorer, Newt Scamander.
If, like us, you’re already counting down the days until ‘Fantastic Beasts’ hits UK cinemas, then here’s everything you need to know about your soon-to-be favourite film...
'Fantastic Beasts' LISTICLE
1. When is it released?(01 of08)
We’re still in for a long wait, unfortunately, with the film currently slated for a November 2016 release date. Filming kicked off back in August.
2. What's it all about?(02 of08)
Well, believe it or not ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’ focuses on fantastic beasts… and where they can be found.No but seriously, the film will introduce us to protagonist, Newt Scamander, a character whose name first popped up in the 'Harry Potter' book series.Newt is an explorer who travels to New York in pursuit of finding out all he can about magical creatures all over the wizarding world. It’s set in the same universe as the ‘Harry Potter’ series, so you can expect the usual mix of dragons and griffins, with a few of JK Rowling’s own creations thrown in for good measure.
3. Who's playing Newt Scamander?(03 of08)
Eddie Redmayne was confirmed for the role back in June, following months of speculation about his involvement in the project. (credit:Andrew Medichini/AP)
4. Who else is in it?(04 of08)
Oscar-winner Eddie isn’t the only big name involved in the new film, though, with British actress Katherine Waterston joining him in the cast as female lead, Porpentina Goldstein. Also among the film’s stars are Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller and Jon Voight. (credit:Karwai Tang/Taylor Hill/Getty)
5. Who's directing?(05 of08)
David Yates, who helmed the final four films in the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, is returning to direct ‘Fantastic Beasts’, which we’re sure fans of the film series will be thrilled about. (credit:Joel Ryan/AP)
6. And who wrote it?(06 of08)
JK Rowling, who - of course! - we all know as the writer of ‘Harry Potter’, will make her screenwriting debut with ‘Fantastic Beasts’.She also penned the fictional textbook on which the film is based. At first it was only alluded to in the ‘Harry Potter’ books, but the author then wrote it for real, with proceeds for the book going towards Comic Relief. (credit:Dan Hallman/AP)
7. Will Harry Potter be in it?(07 of08)
Regrettably, the film is set around 70 years before the events of the first ‘Harry Potter’ book, meaning neither Harry nor his parents were even born.That said, given the question mark around the age of some of the ‘Harry Potter’ series’ more mature characters, there’s no certainty a few familiar faces won’t be cropping up... (credit:Warner Bros)
8. Will there be a sequel?(08 of08)
So far, we know that ‘Fantastic Beasts’ will be “at least” a trilogy, but we all know that a successful franchise can run and run - so who knows when Newt Scamander’s adventures will run their course? (credit:Entertainment Weekly)
'Harry Potter': Where Are They Now?
Daniel Radcliffe starred as Harry Potter...(01 of60)
(credit:Peter Mountain via Getty Images)
(02 of60)
Since appearing as the movies' title character, Daniel has managed to shake off Harry and ensure he's known by his own name - which has been aided by the fact he'll happily get his kit off on-screen and on-stage. After stints in the West End and on Broadway, Daniel recently starred in 'What If', and in 2015, fans will see him take on the role of Igor in 'Frankenstein'. (credit:Julian Parker via Getty Images)
Rupert Grint starred as Ron Weasley...(03 of60)
(credit:Dave Benett via Getty Images)
(04 of60)
Since hanging up his wizard's hat, Rupert has made waves on the West End stage, and in 2013 he received rave reviews for his performance in 'Mojo'.He also stowed some his 'Harry Potter' cash away and splashed it on an ice cream truck, fulfilling a childhood dream. Aww! (credit:Anthony Devlin/PA Archive)
Ralph Fiennes as He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named... (05 of60)
(credit:E. Charbonneau via Getty Images)
(06 of60)
You'll find Ralph in 'Wrath of the Titans', 'Skyfall' and 'Great Expectations'. It has also been announced he's been cast in the upcoming, as-yet-unnamed, James Bond film. (credit:Didier Baverel via Getty Images)
Jamie Waylett starred as Vincent Crabbe...(07 of60)
(credit:Bruce Seabrook/allaction.co.uk /EMPICS Entertainment)
(08 of60)
Sadly, Jamie hasn't fared too well in recent years and in 2012 he was imprisoned after participating in the 2011 London riots. (credit:SHAUN CURRY via Getty Images)
Joshua Herdman starred as Gregory Goyle...(09 of60)
(credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Joshua Herdman (Goyle)(10 of60)
Sadly, Joshua hasn't faired too well either, and has dropped off the radar as far as acting is concerned. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Tom Felton starred as Draco Malfoy...(11 of60)
(credit:Bruce Seabrook/allaction.co.uk /EMPICS Entertainment)
(12 of60)
After being everyone's favourite bad guy in the films, Tom decided to try something a little different and recorded a number of singles, which he shared with fans via YouTube. He's currently filming 'Clavius', where he stars as a character called Lucius. Tom's also really, really good at Twitter. (credit:Gustavo Caballero via Getty Images)
Matthew Lewis starred as Neville Longbottom...(13 of60)
(credit:Jane Mingay/PA Archive)
(14 of60)
After getting surprisingly dishy, Matthew now spends his time reminding everyone that he's also hugely talented, making his West End debut in 2012 alongside Arthur Darvill and Laurence Fox in 'Our Boys'. Matthew also took part in one of the best editions of Innuendo Bingo ever on Scott Mills' Radio 1 show. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Bonnie Wright starred as Ginny Weasley...(15 of60)
(credit:Rich Lee/PA Archive)
(16 of60)
Bonnie was one of the 'Harry Potter' frachise's younger stars, however, that hasn't stopped her from going on to carve a successful career. While she hasn't quite achieved the worldwide success of the films' leading stars, Bonnie has been applauded for her work as a model and actress. She also writes and directs her own screen plays. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Robert Pattinson starred as Cedric Diggory...(17 of60)
(credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
(18 of60)
To be honest, Rob's had a rather quiet life since his character's exit left us weeping in the 'Goblet Of Fire' film. After a lot of digging, Robert's main achievement seems to be another franchise entitled 'Twilight'. Nope, we've never heard of it either... (credit:Jason Merritt via Getty Images)
Julie Walters starred as Molly Weasley...(19 of60)
(credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
(20 of60)
Julie is one of the many huge names who appeared in the 'Harry Potter' films so it's not like her career needed the boost. Since the final film in 2011, Julie's been praised by critics her roles in a whole host of other movies, including voicing the witch in Disney's 'Brave'. (credit:Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images)
Michael Gambon starred as Albus Dumbledore...(21 of60)
(credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
(22 of60)
Michael is rumoured to be reprising his role in the upcoming wizrding flick 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'. He also plays Howard Mollison in the TV adaptation of JK's novel 'A Casual Vacancy'. (credit:AFP via Getty Images)
Dame Maggie Smith starred as Professor McGonagall...(23 of60)
(credit:dpa-Film Warner/DPA)
(24 of60)
Already a legend, Dame Maggie Smith continues to win fans with her performance as the Dowager Countess in hit TV series 'Downton Abbey'. She's also no stranger to the big screen, and starred in 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' and is set to feature in the upcoming sequel. (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
John Hurt starred as Mr Ollivander...(25 of60)
(credit:Ian Nicholson/PA Archive)
(26 of60)
Amongst other projects, John has completed three where he was cast alongside other 'Harry Potter' stars; 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', 'The Gruffalo's Child' and 'Labyrinth'. (credit:David Jensen/EMPICS Entertainment)
Alan Rickman starred as Severus Snape... (27 of60)
(credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
(28 of60)
Since 'Harry Potter', method actor Alan has been part of several projects including 'CBGB', alongside his former co-star Rupert Grint. (credit:Philip Cheung via Getty Images)
Toby Jones provided the voice for Dobby...(29 of60)
(credit:REX/QMI Agency)
(30 of60)
After providing the voice of everybody's favourite House Elf, Toby's projects included 'The Hunger Games', 'Snow White and the Huntsman' and 'The Adventures of Tintin'. (credit:Phillip Chin via Getty Images)
Robbie Coltrane starred as Hagrid...(31 of60)
(credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
(32 of60)
Once filming wrapped, Robbie moved over to the Dark Side and joined Voldemort's gang. By which we mean, starred alongside Ralph Fiennes, in 'Great Expectations'. Traitor. (credit:Gustavo Caballero via Getty Images)
Kenneth Branagh starred as Gilderoy Lockhart...(33 of60)
(credit:Justin Goff via Getty Images)
(34 of60)
Oh Kenneth, where do we start? Ever since *that* version of 'Hamlet', Brannagh has been one of our favourite stars to swoon over. Since leaving the Wizarding World, Kenneth has turned his attention to directing, as well as starring in flicks such as 'My Week With Marilyn' and 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit'. (credit:Walter McBride via Getty Images)
Emma Watson starred as Hermione Granger...(35 of60)
(credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Emma Watson (Hermione Granger)(36 of60)
In between stints studying for a degree at Brown University in the US, Emma starred in a number of blockbusters including 'The Bling Ring' and 'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower'. Shortly after graduating in 2013, it was announced that Emma has accepted a UN post and will serve as a Women's Goodwill Ambassador. (credit:Dominique Charriau via Getty Images)
Gary Oldman starred as Sirius Black...(37 of60)
(credit:J. Vespa via Getty Images)
(38 of60)
Gary's a very busy man and has totted up an extensive list of appearances since his Harry Potter days. These include: 'The Dark Knight' and 'The Dark Knight Rises' and 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes'.He also voiced Viktor Reznov and Daniel Clarke in the 'Call of Duty' games. (credit:Angela Weiss via Getty Images)
David Thewlis starred as Remus Lupin...(39 of60)
(credit:Doug Peters/allaction.co.uk /EMPICS Entertainment)
(40 of60)
David also lent his voice to video games, specifically as the voice of Lord Darius Crowley in 'World of Warcraft: Cataclysm in 2010'.Other projects include 'War Horse' and a role in 'Separate We Come, Separate We Go', a short film directed by Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley. (credit:Anwar Hussein/Anwar Hussein)
John Cleese starred as Nearly Headless Nick...(41 of60)
(credit:SGranitz via Getty Images)
(42 of60)
Do we really need to tell you what John Cleese has been up to? Seriously? (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
Brendan Gleeson starred as Mad-Eye Moody... (43 of60)
(credit:Supplied by WENN.com)
(44 of60)
Mad-eye Moody is actually quite sharp, bagging himself parts in numerous projects including 2014's 'Edge of Tomorrow'.He's also set to star in 'Suffragette', alongside Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham-Carter. (credit:NBC via Getty Images)
Geraldine Somerville starred as Lily Potter...(45 of60)
(credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
(46 of60)
Geraldine's fleeting appearances as Harry's mum gave the movies some of their most poignant moments. Since then, she's appeared in 'My Week With Marilyn' and 'Grace Of Monaco'. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Natalia Tena starred as Nymphadora Tonks...(47 of60)
(credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
(48 of60)
Natalia evidently knows how to smell out a hit as she's also starred in 'Game of Thrones' as Osha. (credit:Europa Press via Getty Images)
David Tennant starred as Barty Crouch Jr...(49 of60)
(credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
(50 of60)
David's done barely anything since his time as Barty Crouch Jr. No time as a famous Timelord, no treading the boards in Shakespeare plays and he definitely didn't star opposite Olivia Colman in an award-winning ITV drama series. Lazy moo. (credit:Ben Gabbe via Getty Images)
Warwick Davis starred as Professor Flitwick...(51 of60)
(credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
(52 of60)
A bit of a cult hit on YouTube, Warwick Davies has been feautured on several channels, most notably the YogsCast. In the land of television he's made guest appearances on shows including 'An Idiot Abroad', 'Top Gear'. He also played Oberon the Ufgood in 'Dwarves Assemble'.More recently he played Old Hamm in 'Jack the Giant Slayer' and can (sometimes) be found teaching charms lessons at the Warner Bros. Studios VIP nights. (credit:Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images)
Helen McCrory starred as Narcissa Malfoy...(53 of60)
(credit:Astrid Stawiarz via Getty Images)
(54 of60)
Like Ralph Fiennes, Helen also appeared in 'Skyfall'. she also stars in the hit drama 'Peaky Blinders' as Aunt Polly. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Helena Bonham Carter starred as Bellatrix Lestrange...(55 of60)
(credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
(56 of60)
What can we say? The inimitable Helena Bonham Carter played the role of Bellatrix to disturbing perfection and played similarly creepy parts in many other movies. To be honest, if Voldy had left her in charge, he probably would have triumphed.Helena was the perfect Madame Thernardier in 'Les Miserables' and also gave a stellar performance as Elizabeth Taylor in a BBC television film. (credit:Fred Duval via Getty Images)
Shirley Henderson starred as Moaning Myrtle...(57 of60)
(credit:J. Vespa via Getty Images)
(58 of60)
Shirley Henderson appeared in just a couple of the movies as the ghoul skulking around the toilets. Since then, she voiced the Gruffalo's child in the film of the same name and also starred in 'Soutchliffe', 'Filth' and 'Death In Paradise'. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Imelda Staunton starred as Dolores Umbridge...(59 of60)
(credit:Ian Nicholson/PA Archive)
(60 of60)
Since 'Harry Potter' Staunton has voiced Queen Victoria in 'The Pirates! Band of Misfits' and played Knotgrass in 'Maleficent'. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)