By Stephanie Black | Lifestyle Editor
While Harry Potter’s adventures may be over, author J.K. Rowling announced she will be writing a screenplay for a new adventure that takes place in the wizarding world she created.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” by fictional author Newt Scamander was one of Harry Potter’s textbooks while at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Scamander will become the main character for Rowling’s screenplay, set in 1920s New York City.
“It’s very exciting and I think other people are very excited for the screenplay too,” said Erika Travis, assistant professor of English and behavioral sciences at California Baptist University, who discusses the Harry Potter novels in her classes.
More details about the movie’s story will be revealed in the coming months.
“‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is a textbook they talk about in Harry Potter, and J.K. Rowling published it as its own book in 2001 for her charity,” Travis said.
This new movie is not a prequel or continuation of the Harry Potter series.
“(Rowling) has created a very open-ended world,” Travis said. “She has a lot of room to do what she wants because she is J.K. Rowling, but also because people are not emotionally attached to this story or to the main character, Newton Scamander.”
Because many series are often drawn out too long, Travis said it is a good thing that the screenplay is not directly linked to the Harry Potter series.
Students said they are excited about the screenplay because it brings back childhood memories.
Sarah E. Rosen, junior liberal studies major, has read Harry Potter the series since it came out.
“We grew up with Harry Potter, so our childhood is coming back a little,” Rosen said. “When Harry Potter was done, we were wondering what’s next, because Harry Potter was our life.”
Harry Potter fans now get to see more of the world that Rowling created.
“I’m really excited! It’s in the world of Harry Potter, but we’re going to get a whole new set of characters,” said Kelsey L. Greene, freshman English and theater double major.
Anticipation for the movie is building.
“(Rowling) is an interesting storyteller; I’m interested to see what she does with the screen play.” Travis said.
When the movie comes out it is sure to bring Harry Potter fans flocking to the theaters.
