Fresh from the MTV Movie Awards, the first full trailer for Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them arrived online in the early hours of the morning. Directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling herself, the Harry Potter prequel follows magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) as he enters 1920’s New York with a briefcase full of magical creatures. The film, which is set to be released in November, also stars the likes of Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler and Colin Farrell. But what do our writers think of our first glimpse at the Wizarding World of America?
“It’s a bit of a clichéd response – but ‘magical’ springs to mind! Love, love, love the look of this film, and I can’t wait for November when we can explore more of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world!” – James Barker, writer.
“SO so excited by this. Looking forward to following wizards of age around New York as opposed to children within the confines of school. Hearing Dumbledore’s name made my ears prick up – I think that was a clever move to capture fans’ attention. Will Dumbledore’s faith in Newt be misplaced, as it was in Tom Riddle? I’m interested to see whether like technology, magic and spells have developed and evolved through the ages, or whether wizards have always been way ahead of Muggles. Eddie Redmayne’s delicate portrayal of Newt so far feels refreshing and intriguing compared to the ballsy protagonists of Harry Potter, despite the announcement of his expulsion for endangering a student’s life. Cannot wait to see this!” – Josie Osborne, writer.
“When I first heard there was going to be a Harry Potter prequel I was a bit concerned that it wouldn’t work and that it was just another money making scheme. Now I’ve seen the full trailer, I’m really excited for the film to be released and think it will present a different and interesting angle on the wizarding world.” – Laura Ingate, writer.
“I, like most, was fairly skeptical when this was announced. But it seems to have captured the wonderous adventure that the Harry Potter franchise was built on. The sets look amazing and I won’t deny the goosebumps that appeared when that familiar score kicked in.” – Eddy Tesfay, writer.
“This trailer has made me a LOT more excited for the film than the previous teaser. Although that still had me incredibly excited. I just love Harry Potter. November is just too far away…” – Carly May Kavanagh, writer.
“Just THAT recognisable music makes me so excited for this film. Bring on November!” – Georgia Simpson, Head of Relations.
“Redmayne is an inspired casting choice, and this looks an intelligent, unique addition to the series. My only worry is the producers bow to fan service when someone inevitably complains it isn’t exactly like the book (despite being designed as spoof non-fiction) and thus the film gets utterly butchered.” – Robert Pratley, writer.
“I love Harry Potter and although I will miss it’s cast and setting, this looks like an interesting prequel and I’m most excited about the role Dumbledore will play.” – Floss Lewsey, writer.
“A tepid trailer for what should be an excellent film. Redmayne looks great, as do the other cast members but other than the music and the actors, nothing particularly grabbed me. I am still highly anticipating this movie and can’t wait to see it, but this trailer was solid and unspectacular.” – David Mitchell-Baker, writer.
“Before, I’d kind of doubted this film as a concept but seeing this full trailer has actually made me excited. It’s quirky and holds all the gimmicks a good Harry Potter film should.” – Natalie Fordham, Editor.
“I am very excited for this film after seeing the trailer! The teaser made it look like a Harry Potter knock-off but this trailer has a quirky and slightly cheeky Eddie Redmayne – much different from the Harry Potter world. I loved the hints to the muggle cloaking devices as they’re the moments I loved in the Potter movies, so this film looks like its going to be filled with JK’s brilliant ideas!” – Helen Archer, Head of Publicity.
“The more I watch it, the more emotional I get. It has exactly the right feel – this is an extension of the Wizarding world of my childhood. I’m really excited to see the film. And did anyone else see that little mole creature? It’s called a niffle and I want one.” – Anneka Honeyball, News Editor.
The Verdict: The trailer seems to have swayed some of the early skeptics and delighted some hopeful Potterheads along the way. Accio November!
