FANTASTIC BEASTS
Fantastic Beasts is a media franchise and major sub-series within J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World. Originating as a fictional 1997 Hogwarts textbook made real in 2001 for charity, it expanded into a trilogy of feature films, companion screenplays, video games, and virtual reality experiences.
Cronologia
Panoramica
Created by J.K. Rowling, Fantastic Beasts began as a fictional Hogwarts textbook first mentioned in the 1997 novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
In 2001, Rowling published the title as a real charity book, which eventually served as the foundation for a theatrical prequel film saga starting in 2016.
Directed by David Yates, the film trilogy—comprising Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), and The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)—spans story events from 1926 to 1932. Across its history, the franchise has expanded into published original screenplays, interactive video games, virtual reality apps, and theme park integrations. Although Warner Bros. originally planned a five-film story arc, post-2022 developments saw the remaining sequels placed on indefinite hiatus, with director David Yates and star Eddie Redmayne confirming the movie series is currently parked.
Origini
In-universe lore establishes that Obscurus Books commissioned magizoologist Newton Scamander to write Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in 1918.
The book was published in early 1927, celebrated with a launch party at Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley attended by Newt, his brother Theseus, Leta Lestrange, and his assistant Bunty.
In the real world, the title first appeared as a required book on Harry Potter's Hogwarts supply list in 1997. J.K. Rowling penned the actual 128-page paperback in 2001 under the pseudonym Newt Scamander to raise money for Comic Relief, complete with hand-drawn doodles and marginal notes by Harry, Ron, and Hermione. This companion volume was later adapted by Warner Bros. into a feature film franchise exploring Newt's globe-trotting adventures and the rise of Gellert Grindelwald.
Personaggi
Collezionismo
For Wizarding World collectors, Fantastic Beasts merchandise offers distinct avenues ranging from physical construction figures to fine art prints and display items. LEGO brought the franchise into the brick-building space with Lego Dimensions expansions in 2016, featuring playable minifigures of Newt Scamander, Tina Goldstein, and a buildable Niffler.
Graphic design enthusiasts track prop replicas and art prints produced by MinaLima and distributed via The Printorium, capturing the authentic graphic design work from the films. Collectors of published media seek out hardcover screenplay editions and the 2017 revised illustrated volume featuring artwork by Olivia Lomenech Gill. Exclusive regional merchandise has also created unique collector interest, such as limited-edition items sold during Tokyo's 2021 'Tree of Fantastic Beasts' exhibition at Marunouchi OAZO and Maruzen stores.
Curiosità
J.K. Rowling published the real-world 2001 Fantastic Beasts textbook under the pen name Newt Scamander to benefit Comic Relief. The 2016 film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
Harry Potter purchased his copy of Fantastic Beasts for 14 Sickles and 3 Knuts at Flourish and Blotts, where it was protected by a Thief's Curse. In late 2021, a giant replica of Newt's textbook was featured as part of a 3D hologram tree installation in Tokyo, Japan. Actor Eddie Redmayne noted in late 2024 that audiences have likely seen the last of Newt as no fourth film is currently in development.
Film
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016): Set in 1926 New York City, magizoologist Newt Scamander becomes involved in a MACUSA conflict after creatures escape his suitcase.
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018): Set in 1927 London and Paris, Dumbledore enlists Newt to help track down Credence before Grindelwald can exploit him. • Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022): Set in 1932 Berlin, Bhutan, and Hogwarts, Dumbledore's team works to prevent Grindelwald from rigging an international wizarding election.
Serie TV
No dedicated television series have been produced for the Fantastic Beasts franchise, though Warner Bros.
is planning an HBO Harry Potter television series reboot for 2026/2027.
Videogiochi
• Lego Dimensions: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) — PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U: A story expansion pack letting players play through the 2016 movie with LEGO figures.
• Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World (2016) — iOS, Android: A hidden-object puzzle game developed by Mediatonic for the Ministry of Magic's creature regulation department. • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them VR Experience (2016–2018) — Google Daydream, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR: Interactive virtual reality experience allowing players to step inside Newt's suitcase.
Libri & Fumetti
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2001): Original 128-page charity textbook written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Newt Scamander. • Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay (2016): Printed feature film script written by J.K. Rowling.
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Revised & Illustrated Edition (2017): Hardcover updated edition with a new foreword, six new creatures, and artwork by Olivia Lomenech Gill. • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – The Original Screenplay (2018): Official printed script written by J.K. Rowling. • Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore – The Complete Screenplay (2022): Official screenplay co-written by J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves.
