Life After Harry Potter

Fans of the Harry Potter franchise may be in for a big surprise. Millions were sad to see their beloved characters be put to rest, but there may be more in store for Harry Potter devotees. JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a book that Rowling wrote in 2001 for charity Comic Relief. While Rowling is undoubtedly the real author of the book, it was published under the pen name Newt Scamander. Fantastic Beasts is set in the same magical world as the Harry Potter series, but takes place 70 years before the beginning of the well-known story.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Magizoologist Newt Scamander is the author of the textbook called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which was required reading for first year Hogwarts students in the Harry Potter series. Scamander describes 75 magical species in the book, and expounds on his worldwide travels to locate these amazing creatures. While it was originally commissioned in 1918, it didn’t enter publication until 1927, and was in its 52nd edition by the time Harry Potter and friends are studying it in the book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It also appears in the film adaptation of the same story, released as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Harry Potter Prequel?

Rowling announced on September 12, 2013 that Fantastic Beasts is set to be adapted for the big screen, and there are rumors that Harry Potter may have a cameo. Of course, this is all pure speculation at this time, because the screenplay, which is being adapted by Rowling herself, hasn’t even been written. Initially Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who plays Harry Potter in the film series, said he didn’t think he would be involved in the new project. “I don’t think I’m going to be coming back”, said Radcliffe. “We can’t be doing these characters when we’re 40, so there has to be a line drawn.” However, since this story takes place long before Harry was even a gleam in his parent’s eyes, it seems unlikely that Harry would be involved in the new project.

Harry Potter Time Travel?

But just this week, Radcliffe had a change of perspective, saying “because I never know what Jo [Rowling] is going to write, at the moment I’m in the same position that everyone else is in: waiting to hear what information is coming out because I don’t know anything about these new films.” Since Fantastic Beasts is set so far in advance of the Harry Potter timeline, the only way that Harry could appear in the film is if, “time travel rears its head again”, Radcliffe said. Since time travel is not in the original book, Radcliffe noted, “I’ll be intrigued to see what she does.” Most fans would agree that they are also intrigued to see what new magic Ms Rowling spins for the big screen. It would be a good idea for Rowling to include Potter in her new film since his is such a popular character. Many fans would pay good money at the box office just to see Harry Potter once again. Stay tuned to see what surprises are in store for lovers of the Harry Potter characters and universe.