Review: "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is Beastly Good

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 24 (of 2017) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Running time:  133 minutes (2 hours, 13 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for some fantasy action violence
DIRECTOR:  David Yates
WRITER:  J.K. Rowling
PRODUCERS:  David Heyman, Steve Kloves, J.K. Rowling, and Lionel Wigram
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Philippe Rousselot (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Mark Day
COMPOSER:  James Newton Howard
Academy Award winner

FANTASY/DRAMA/FAMILY

Starring:  Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Colin Farrell, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Samantha Morton, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Faith Wood-Blagrove, Jenn Murray, Carmen Ejogo, Jon Voight, Josh Cowdery, Ronan Rafferty, Ron Perlman, Zoe Kravitz, and Johnny Depp

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a 2016 fantasy film directed by David Yates.  This film is a continuation of the Harry Potter film series, and it is co-produced and written by J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books.  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (or simply Fantastic Beasts) is inspired by Rowling's 2001 book of the same name.  Set in J. K. Rowling's Wizarding World 70 years before Harry Potter's story, Fantastic Beasts follows the adventures of a British wizard after he arrives in New York City and clashes with its secret community of witches and wizards.

In 1926, British wizard and "magizoologist" Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) stops in New York City on his way to Arizona.  Scamander also carries with him a magical suitcase full of fantastic beasts, and one of them, a “Niffler,” escapes into the city.  During his quest to recapture the Niffler, Scamander meets a “No-Maj” (does not have magical powers) named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), after they unwittingly swap suitcases.

This confusion brings Scamander into contact and conflict with Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), a demoted auror (hunter of dark wizards), who belongs to the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA).  Scamander also meets Tina's sister, Queenie (Alison Sudol), a flapper who has amazing powers of memory.  Now, the four of them are caught in a conspiracy involving one or more escaped beasts, with one of them being very dangerous.  Scamander has been searching for this creature, and to find it and protect it may cost him his life.

I did not expect much from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.  It is not that I thought that it was a bad movie, but I guess I was comparing it unfavorably to the Harry Potter films – without having seen it...  However, I find that Fantastic Beasts compares quite favorably to the Potter films; in fact, Fantastic Beasts is a film set in the Wizarding World for us grown-ups.

Fantastic Beasts is an adult urban fantasy which presents a perilous world of magic where secrets must be kept, even unto penalty of death.  War between the world of wizards and witches and the world of the No-Maj slash humans without magical powers seems like a genuine threat in this narrative.  [In the Potter films, humans without magical powers are referred to as “muggles.”]

There is something on the line for the character; they have something to lose, and perhaps, some could lose everything, including their lives.  So the audience buys into this story.  Fantastic Beasts is not some mere, spin-off, sequel/prequel, event movie.  It is all in the writing of of J.K. Rowling's script; she makes the story matters, and once again, director David Yates understands the most important elements of Rowling's writing.  The bonds of family and friendship; the motivations of characters; the conflict central and peripheral; and good versus evil, and Yates and Rowling deliver strongly on these.

Fantastic Beasts also separates itself from the Potter films with a cast of characters that is far more eccentric than the characters Potter delivered (and there were oddballs in that lot).  Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne manages to make a introverted, strange little man into a strong lead and resilient lead character that the audience will follow, even when Redmayne makes it obvious that Scamander does not want anyone following him.

Katherine Waterston makes Tina worthy of her own film.  In her feature film debut, Alison Sudol is pitch perfect as Queenie, and Dan Fogler surprises as Jacob.  In fact, all of the cast is good – from Colin Farrell's perplexing Percival Graves to Ezra Miller's troubled Credence Barebone.  Fantastic Beasts delivers complex and engaging characters.

Yes, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them delivers and proves that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a universe that can exist beyond Harry.  Fantastic Beasts is a thoroughly enjoyable movie; it is so likable that I cannot really find fault with it.  I don't know if every Potter fan will like this movie, but for some of us, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is our part of the Wizarding World.

9 of 10
A+


NOTES:
2017 Academy Awards, USA:  1 win: “Best Achievement in Costume Design” (Colleen Atwood); 1 nominations: “Best Achievement in Production Design” (Stuart Craig-production design and Anna Pinnock-set decoration

2017 BAFTA Awards 2017:  1 win: “Best Production Design” (Stuart Craig and Anna Pinnock); 4 nominations: “Outstanding British Film of the Year” (David Yates, J.K. Rowling, David Heyman, Steve Kloves, and Lionel Wigram), “Best Costume Design” (Colleen Atwood), “Best Sound” (Niv Adiri, Glenn Freemantle, Simon Hayes, Andy Nelson, and Ian Tapp), “Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects” (Tim Burke, Pablo Grillo, Christian Manz, and David Watkins)


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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"Fantastic Beasts" Adds New Cast - Jessica Williams, Carmen Ejogo Among Them

Casting Continues on the New “Fantastic Beasts” Adventure Set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World

Actors Join the Ensemble Led by Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Jude Law and Johnny Depp

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Additions have been made to the cast of the all-new adventure set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, the second of five feature films in the series that began with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The film, which is currently in production, is being directed by David Yates.

Among the actors who have joined the international ensemble cast are: Carmen Ejogo, returning to the role of Seraphina Picquery; Wolf Roth as Spielman; Victoria Yeates as Bunty; Derek Riddell as Torquil Travers; Poppy Corby-Tuech as Rosier; Cornell S. John as Arnold Guzman; and Brontis Jodorowsky as Nicolas Flamel. Fiona Glascott and Jessica Williams have also been cast in roles to be revealed.

Reprising their roles from the worldwide hit “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” are Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), who stars as wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander; Katherine Waterston as Auror Tina Goldstein; Dan Fogler as No-Maj Jacob Kowalski; Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein; and Ezra Miller as Credence. Oscar nominee Johnny Depp (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, “Finding Neverland”) returns as the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald, and Oscar nominee Jude Law (“The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Cold Mountain”) portrays Hogwarts professor Albus Dumbledore.

Rounding out the main cast are Zoë Kravitz as Leta Lestrange; Callum Turner as Theseus Scamander; Claudia Kim as a woman in a wizarding circus; William Nadylam as Yusuf Kama; Ingvar Sigurdsson as Grimmson; Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Skender; and Kevin Guthrie as Abernathy.

J.K. Rowling wrote the screenplay for the film, which opens in 1927, a few months after Newt helped to unveil and capture the infamous Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. However, as he promised he would, Grindelwald has made a dramatic escape and has been gathering more followers to his cause—elevating wizards above all non-magical beings. The only one who might be able to stop him is the wizard he once called his dearest friend, Albus Dumbledore. But Dumbledore will need help from the wizard who had thwarted Grindelwald once before, his former student Newt Scamander. The adventure reunites Newt with Tina, Queenie and Jacob, but his mission will also test their loyalties as they face new perils in an increasingly dangerous and divided wizarding world.

The film expands the wizarding world, moving from New York to London and on to Paris. There are also some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of the books and film series.

David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram are producing the film, with Tim Lewis, Neil Blair, Rick Senat and Danny Cohen serving as executive producers.

Collaborating with Yates behind the scenes are: Oscar-winning director of photography Philippe Rousselot (“A River Runs Through It”); three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Gandhi,” the “Harry Potter” films), three-time BAFTA Award-winning editor Mark Day (the last four “Harry Potter” films, “State of Play”), four-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Tim Burke (“Gladiator,” the “Harry Potter” films), and Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Manz (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1”).

The new adventure is being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which has been the cinematic home of the Wizarding World since the first “Harry Potter” film.

Slated for release on November 16, 2018, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

--------------------------

"Fantastic Beasts" Sequel Begins Filming Today, July 3rd

A Thrilling New Adventure in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World is Underway

The Main Cast and Filmmakers from “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” Are Joined by Exciting New Additions to the Ensemble

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography starts today, Monday, July 3, 2017, on an all new adventure set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, the second of five films in the series that began with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The as-yet-untitled film is being directed by David Yates.

Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars once more as wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander; alongside Katherine Waterston as Auror Tina Goldstein; Alison Sudol as her sister, Queenie Goldstein; and Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski, the only No-Maj in the foursome.

Oscar nominee Johnny Depp (the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, “Finding Neverland”), who was revealed as Gellert Grindelwald, stars as the powerful Dark wizard in the film. Oscar nominee Jude Law (“The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Cold Mountain”) takes on the role of Albus Dumbledore—one of J.K. Rowling’s most beloved characters—decades before he becomes Headmaster at Hogwarts. Credence, whose fate was unknown at the end of the first film, makes a mysterious return, played again by Ezra Miller. Zoë Kravitz plays Leta Lestrange, who was glimpsed in a photo as a woman from Newt’s past; Callum Turner is the famed Theseus Scamander, a war hero and Auror, who also happens to be Newt’s older brother; and Claudia Kim plays a young woman we first meet as a featured attraction at a wizarding circus.

J.K. Rowling wrote the screenplay for the film, which opens in 1927, a few months after Newt helped to unveil and capture the infamous Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. However, as he promised he would, Grindelwald has made a dramatic escape and has been gathering more followers to his cause—elevating wizards above all non-magical beings. The only one who might be able to stop him is the wizard he once called his dearest friend, Albus Dumbledore. But Dumbledore will need help from the wizard who had thwarted Grindelwald once before, his former student Newt Scamander. The adventure reunites Newt with Tina, Queenie and Jacob, but his mission will also test their loyalties as they face new perils in an increasingly dangerous and divided wizarding world.

The film expands the wizarding world, moving from New York to London and on to Paris. There are also some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of the books and film series.

The ensemble cast also includes William Nadylam as a wizard named Yusuf Kama; Ingvar Sigurdsson as a bounty hunter named Grimmson; Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Skender, who runs the wizarding circus; and Kevin Guthrie as Abernathy, whom we met as Tina and Queenie’s boss at MACUSA (Magical Congress of the USA).

David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram are producing the film, with Tim Lewis, Neil Blair, Rick Senat and Danny Cohen serving as executive producers.

Collaborating with Yates behind the scenes, the creative teams are led by Oscar-winning director of photography Philippe Rousselot (“A River Runs Through It”); three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Gandhi,” the “Harry Potter” films), three-time BAFTA Award-winning editor Mark Day (the last four “Harry Potter” films, “State of Play”), four-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” “Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Tim Burke (“Gladiator,” the “Harry Potter” films), and Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Manz (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1”).

The new adventure is being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which has been the cinematic home of the Wizarding World since the first “Harry Potter” film.

Slated for release on November 16, 2018, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

--------------------

Half Billion Dollars at Worldwide Box Office for "Fantastic Beasts"

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” Generates a Magical Half Billion Dollars at the Worldwide Box Office

The much-anticipated return to J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, directed by David Yates and starring Eddie Redmayne, crosses $500 million worldwide after just two weekends in release.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On the heels of topping the box office in its opening weekend, the widely acclaimed magical adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” surpassed half a billion dollars at the global box office on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 following its second weekend in release. The announcement was made today by Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Audiences everywhere have flocked to theatres, eager to experience the new era in the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. To date, the film has earned $161 million domestically and $344 million internationally for a global box office cume of $505 million and counting. “Fantastic Beasts,” which is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, has also received praise from critics everywhere.

In making the announcement, Kroll stated, “We are thrilled by the success of this new adventure, which is also the start of an exciting new franchise for the studio. With ‘Fantastic Beasts,’ the brilliant J.K. Rowling has created an immersive story with timeless themes that are resonating with both critics and audiences in every corner of the world. We congratulate her, our director David Yates, the wonderful cast and everyone involved in the film on this milestone.”

Jeff Goldstein, President, Domestic Distribution, said, “Anticipation grew exponentially in the weeks leading up to the release of ‘Fantastic Beasts,’ and now with the film in theaters we are seeing strong word of mouth and repeat attendance, which should carry the film through the holiday season and beyond.”

Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution and Growth Initiatives, added, “The enthusiastic global response to ‘Fantastic Beasts’ proves once again that the appeal of the wizarding world transcends language and borders. We, too, foresee strong holds through the holidays and well into the new year.”

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” takes us to a new era in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, decades before Harry Potter and half a world away.

Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars in the central role of wizarding world Magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” also stars Katherine Waterston (“Steve Jobs,” “Inherent Vice”), Tony Award winner Dan Fogler (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), Alison Sudol (“Dig,” “Transparent”), Ezra Miller (“Trainwreck,” upcoming “Justice League”), two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton (“In America,” “Sweet and Lowdown”), Oscar winner Jon Voight (“Coming Home,” TV’s “Ray Donovan”), Carmen Ejogo (“Selma”), and Colin Farrell (“True Detective”).

The film marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, whose beloved Harry Potter books were adapted into the top-grossing film franchise of all time. Her script was inspired by the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by her character Newt Scamander.

In addition to Yates, the film reunited a number of people from the “Harry Potter” features, including producers David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram. Tim Lewis, Neil Blair and Rick Senat served as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates Film, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The film opened worldwide on November 18, 2016, in 2D and 3D in select theatres and IMAX and is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

This film has been rated PG-13 for some fantasy action violence.

fantasticbeasts.com

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from November 13th to 19th, 2016 - Update #27

Support Leroy on Patreon.

POLITICS - From YahooNews:  President-elect Trump wants the cast of the Broadway musical, "Hamilton" to apologize to Vice-President-elect and anti-gay bigot, Mike Pence.

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MOVIE - From THR:  Marc Forster is directing Disney's live-action movie about "Christopher Robin," Winnie the Pooh's friend.

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OBIT - From TheWrap:  Sharon Jones, who is the lead singer of "Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings," has died at the age of 60, Friday, November 18, 2016.

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CULTURE - From RSN:  Is America possible, Michelle Alexander asks, especially as we are just learning to walk.

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MOVIES - From CNN:  Shelley Duvall, the actress who is known for such film as "The Shinning" and "Popeye," reveals that she suffers from mental illness.

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ECO - From RollingStone:  Neil Young celebrates his 71st birthday with a concert at Standing Rock #NoDAPL protest site.

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SPORTS - From the Steelers:  The NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers announce the "The Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research."

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MOVIES - From ETCanada:  Michelle Williams to play rock legend Janis Joplin in upcoming biopic.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooCelebrity:  Halle Berry celebrates 50 with a new lingerie line.

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COMICS - From Vulture:  A fascinating piece on, Steve Ditko, the artist who created The Amazing Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee.  The writer even tries to meet Ditko, who is an infamous recluse.

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TELEVISION - From BleedingCool:  Marvel, IMAX, and ABC team for a big budget "Inhumans" television show.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap:  Ava DuVernay's "A Wrinkle in Time" set for release April 2018.

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OBITS - From NYTimes:  Award-winning and groundbreaking political reporter and author, Gwen Ifill, died at the age of 61, Monday, November 14, 2016.

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ACADEMY AWARDS - From Variety:  Jackie Chan receives an Oscar.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 11/11 to 11/13/2016 weekend box office is "Doctor Strange" with an estimated take of $43 million.

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POLITICS - From YesMagazine:  6 historic firsts for women on election night 2016.

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SPORTS - From LATimes:  Serena and Venus Williams are returning to their hometown of Compton to renew ties to the community.

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POLITICS - From OregonLive:  Anti-Trump protests in Portland Oregon turn violent Saturday night.

From YahooSports:  Damian Lillard, a star of the Portland Trailblazers, troubled by the anti-Trump protests in Portland.

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OBIT:  From People:  Songwriter and musician, Leon Russell, has died at the age of 74, Sunday, November 13, 2016.  He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 2011.

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TELEVISION - From USAToday:  Dave Chappelle hosted "Saturday Night Live" last night (11/12/2016) and revived some favorite characters from "The Chappelle Show."

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POLITICS - From NYTimes:  Oscar-winning filmmaker, Ethan Coen, pens thank you notes to the people who helped us end up with President-elect Trump.

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MOVIES - From THR:  David Yates says that he is directing all "Fantastic Beasts" films, which are set in the "Harry Potter" universe.

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ANIMATION - From Variety:  DreamWorks Animation and Universal have shut down production on "The Croods 2," the sequel to the Oscar-nominated, "The Croods."

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MUSIC - From YahooMusic:  Sting reopens Bataclan one year after the Paris terror attacks.

TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  New trailer (second official?) for Hidden Figures (which I want to see so badly), which is due January 6, 2017.

From YouTube:  First official trailer for Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast," due Spring 2017.

From YouTube:  Here is the first trailer for "Ghost in the Shell," which is due  March 31, 2017.

Warner Bros. Announces Global Fan Event for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"

A RETURN TO J.K. ROWLING’S WIZARDING WORLD The Global Fan Event Celebrating the New Film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

Fans Will Be Treated to a Special Preview of New Footage from the Film in IMAX, and Can Be Part of a Live Interactive Q & A with the Stars and Director

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the excitement builds for the November 18th, 2016 opening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ new adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” fans will get to experience some of the film’s magic early at the global celebration A RETURN TO J.K. ROWLING’S WIZARDING WORLD. The worldwide fan event will kick off on Thursday, October 13th, 2016, at 8:30 p.m. GMT (3:30 p.m. EDT, 12:30 p.m. PDT) and simultaneously in major cities in the U.S. and internationally. The announcement comes on the heels of this morning’s debut of the brand new trailer for the film.

Sue Kroll, Warner Bros. Pictures’ President of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, stated, “The enthusiasm and support of wizarding world fans everywhere has meant so much to us, as well as the filmmakers. We are proud to share some exciting footage from ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ at this global event created just for them, and are especially thrilled that most can experience it in IMAX.”

Attendees will first be treated to a never-before-seen reel featuring some of the thrilling moments from the much-anticipated film. Talent from “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will be joining the celebration, in person, at two IMAX theatres, in London and Los Angeles, to welcome the fans.

•     In London: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler, and director David Yates will be on hand.
•     In Los Angeles: Colin Farrell and Jon Voight will be in attendance.

Fans gathered at those locations, as well as attendees watching from IMAX theatres in New York, Sao Paulo and Mexico City, as well as a non-IMAX theatre in Rome, will be able to submit questions to the stars and director during the Q&A. It will be a rare opportunity to learn more about the story and their thrilling foray into a new era of the wizarding world.

The footage shown, as well as the Q&A, will also be streamed live online at www.facebook.com/fantasticbeastsmovie so eager fans around the world can share in the excitement.

Fans at each location will be presented with a specially designed “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” exclusive t-shirt, commemorating the worldwide event, as well as a collectible mini-poster.

As an added bonus, audiences in the U.S. theatres can stay for a special screening of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” being presented for the first time ever in IMAX.

Additional details about locations, times, and tickets to the events can be found at:

http://www.wbtickets.com/fantasticbeastsWB
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fantasticbeastsmovie
Twitter: @FantasticBeasts
Instagram: @fantasticbeastsmovie
Snapchat: Wizarding_World
#FantasticBeasts
#IWantToBeAWizard

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is an all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling.

Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars in the central role of wizarding world Magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” also stars Katherine Waterston (“Steve Jobs,” “Inherent Vice”) as Tina; Tony Award winner Dan Fogler (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”) as Jacob; Alison Sudol (“Dig,” “Transparent”) as Tina’s sister, Queenie; Ezra Miller (“Trainwreck”) as Credence; two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton (“In America,” “Sweet and Lowdown”) as Mary Lou; Oscar winner Jon Voight (“Coming Home,” TV’s “Ray Donovan”) as Henry Shaw, Sr.; Ron Perlman (the “Hellboy” films) as Gnarlak; Carmen Ejogo (“Selma”) as Seraphina Picquery; Jenn Murray (“Brooklyn”) as Chastity; young newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove as Modesty; and Colin Farrell (“True Detective”) as Percival Graves.

The film marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, whose beloved Harry Potter books were adapted into the top-grossing film franchise of all time. Her script was inspired by the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by her character Newt Scamander.

The film reunited a number of people from the “Harry Potter” features, including producers David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram. The executive producers are Tim Lewis, Neil Blair and Rick Senat.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Heyday Films Production, a David Yates Film, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The film will open worldwide on November 18, 2016, in 2D and 3D in select theatres and IMAX and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

This film has been rated PG-13 for some fantasy action violence.

fantasticbeasts.com

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J.K. Rowling Currently Writing Second "Fantastic Beasts" Film

The Next Film in the “Fantastic Beasts” Series is in the Works, Being Written by J.K. Rowling

The Next Adventure Will Open Worldwide on November 16, 2018

The “Fantastic Beasts” Film Series Adds to the Global Expansion of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As anticipation builds for the November 18th, 2016 release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” the Studio has announced plans to return to J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World for the next film in the series, slated for worldwide release on November 16, 2018. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Wizarding world creator J.K. Rowling, who made her screenwriting debut on the first film, is scripting the sequel.

The second “Fantastic Beasts” movie moves deeper into an increasingly dark time for the wizarding world, where Newt and our other heroes have to decide on their allegiances.

Director David Yates (the final four “Harry Potter” films) will again take the helm, having recently completed work on “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The new film will also reunite producers David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram. Neil Blair, Rick Senat and Danny Cohen will serve as executive producers.

The “Fantastic Beasts” franchise is an important part of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, a brand which continues to expand. The new play, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two,” has just opened to rave reviews in London, drawing rapturous applause in sold out performances, and the script of the play, just published, has already seen unprecedented sales for a script book. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks at Universal Studios in Orlando, Hollywood and Osaka, Japan, continue to entertain record crowds and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter offers another extremely popular experience for fans of all ages. There is much more on the horizon, all highlighting that the global interest in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World in every medium is stronger than ever.

The “Fantastic Beasts” films will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

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Hozier Creates Song, Better Love," for "The Legend of Tarzan"

The Legend of Tarzan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Features New Original Song “Better Love” Created for Film by Acclaimed Singer Songwriter Hozier

The Soundtrack and the “Better Love” Single Available Now alongside Accompanying Video for the Song

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The WaterTower Music soundtrack for Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “The Legend of Tarzan” will feature the original song “Better Love,” created especially for the film by Grammy-nominated, award-winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Hozier (Andrew Hozier-Byrne), to be released as a single by Columbia Records along with the accompanying video. It is the first time the Irish-born Hozier has composed a song specifically for a major motion picture. The soundtrack also showcases the film’s compelling score, composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams.

    “It was vital that we felt the emotional pull of Africa for Tarzan”

The Legend of Tarzan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is now available on iTunes at: iTunes. “Better Love” is also available today for purchase at: iTunes http://smarturl.it/BetterLove; Apple Music http://po.st/BetterLove26; and Spotify http://po.st/BetterLoveSpotify; Amazon http://smarturl.it/BetterLoveAmz; and Google Play http://smarturl.it/BetterLoveGP. The video for the passionate song can be viewed at: http://www.vevo.com/watch/IEVCJ1600033 or http://po.st/BetterLoveVideo. “The Legend of Tarzan” opens in theatres nationwide on July 1st, 2016.

While Hozier was in Los Angeles taking a well-earned break after promoting his charity single, “Cherry Wine”—as well as an extensive two-year sold-out world tour in support of his debut self-titled album Hozier—he was invited to attend a screening of “The Legend of Tarzan” with a view toward writing a song for the upcoming movie. “I was excited about the opportunity and the challenge of writing for this film project. After viewing an early edit, I was struck by the theme of endurance, and endurance of love through such a hostile environment. I wanted the song to be an intimate reassurance as spoken from one lover to another—one that might be issued in hardship or doubt.’'

After the screening, Hozier got to work, and what started on just a piano grew into a sound that brought him to Abbey Road studios in London to add orchestra into the track. The result is the captivating song “Better Love,” written and performed by Hozier, produced by Hozier and Rob Kirwan.

Gregson-Williams’ music highlights all the elements on screen of action and the beauty and danger of the jungle and the complexity of surviving in it. “It was vital that we felt the emotional pull of Africa for Tarzan,” the composer states. “Tarzan has a theme, both brave and emotional, and I also composed a love theme for Tarzan and Jane. It connects them across the jungle.”

About “The Legend of Tarzan”:
From Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures comes the action adventure “The Legend of Tarzan,” starring Alexander Skarsgård as the legendary character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, and Djimon Hounsou, with Jim Broadbent and Christoph Waltz.

It has been years since the man once known as Tarzan (Skarsgård) left the jungles of Africa behind for a gentrified life as John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane (Robbie), at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by the King of Belgium’s envoy, Leon Rom (Waltz). But those behind the murderous plot have no idea what they are about to unleash.

David Yates directed “The Legend of Tarzan” from a screenplay by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer, story by Brewer and Cozad based on the Tarzan stories created by Burroughs. Legendary producer Jerry Weintraub produced the film, together with David Barron, Alan Riche and Tony Ludwig. Susan Ekins, Nikolas Korda, Keith Goldberg, Steve Mnuchin, David Yates, Mike Richardson and Bruce Berman served as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, in association with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, a Jerry Weintraub Production, a Riche/Ludwig Production, a Beaglepug Production, a David Yates Film, “The Legend of Tarzan.”

Opening on July 1, 2016, the film will be distributed in 2D and 3D in theatres and IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. This film has been rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, some sensuality and brief rude dialogue. www.legendoftarzan.com

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J.K. Rowling Introduces Audiences to Magic in North America

New Original Writing by J.K. Rowling Invites Audiences to Explore the Wizarding World of North America on Pottermore.com

A Video That Serves as a Prologue to the New Writing Debuted Today, Setting the Scene for the Upcoming Feature Film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Leading up to the November 18th, 2016 release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated feature “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” J.K. Rowling has crafted a collection of new original writing entitled Magic in North America, to introduce audiences to a new place and time in the wizarding world that she has created.

The first installment, “History of Magic in North America,” was introduced with the global launch of a 100-second specially produced video that serves as a prologue to the new original writing by J.K. Rowling. The writing will be posted on pottermore.com over four consecutive days beginning Tuesday, March 8th, 2016, at 6 a.m. PST. These four pieces will enlighten readers about a previously unexplored corner of the wizarding world: North American witches and wizards, their history and their magic. The video broke simultaneously on selected media sites around the world and links viewers to “History of Magic in North America,” which will soon be available exclusively at pottermore.com.

The video and the writing provide context and backstory for the feature film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”

Rowling, who first conceived the wizarding world in her enormously popular Harry Potter books, had introduced wizards and witches from other parts of Europe in the series, most notably in the Quidditch World Cup and Triwizard Tournament. However, this marks the first time we’ll learn the fascinating story of the history of magic in North America.


About “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”:
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is an all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars in the central role of wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” also stars Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Ron Perlman, Carmen Ejogo, Jenn Murray, Faith Wood-Blagrove, and Colin Farrell.

The film marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, whose script was inspired by the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by her character Newt Scamander.

The film reunites a number of people from the “Harry Potter” features, including producers David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram.

Opening November 18, 2016, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

About J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling is the author of the bestselling Harry Potter series of seven books, published between 1997 and 2007, which have sold over 450 million copies worldwide, are distributed in more than 200 territories and translated into 79 languages, and have been turned into eight blockbuster films.

She has written three companion volumes in aid of charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in aid of Comic Relief; and The Tales of Beedle the Bard in aid of her children’s charity Lumos.

In 2012, J.K. Rowling’s digital entertainment and e-commerce company, Pottermore, was launched, where fans can enjoy her new writing and immerse themselves deeper in the wizarding world.

Her first novel for adult readers, The Casual Vacancy, was published in September 2012 and adapted for TV by the BBC in 2015. Her crime novels, written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, were published in 2013 (The Cuckoo’s Calling), 2014 (The Silkworm) and 2015 (Career of Evil), and are to be adapted for a major new television series for BBC One, produced by Brontë Film and Television.

J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard commencement speech was published in 2015 as an illustrated book, Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination, and sold in aid of her charity Lumos and university–wide financial aid at Harvard.

In addition to making her screenwriting debut with the film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” J.K. Rowling is currently collaborating on a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II, which will open in London’s West End in the summer of 2016. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a new play by Jack Thorne, based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany.

About Pottermore:
Pottermore, the digital publishing, e-commerce, entertainment and news company from J.K. Rowling, is the global digital publisher of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. As the digital heart of J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, pottermore.com is dedicated to unlocking the power of imagination. It offers news, features, and articles as well as new and previously unreleased writing by J.K. Rowling.

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"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" Announcement Trailer Announced

Announcement Trailer for “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” to Be Unveiled Worldwide on December 15th

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures will debut the first announcement trailer for the much-anticipated adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” via worldwide satellite on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. The trailer will give audiences the first glimpse at a never-before-seen part of the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling.

Visit http://bit.ly/FantasticBeastsAnnouncementTrailerTease for a tease of the announcement trailer.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is an all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling.

Academy Award-winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars in the central role of wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” also stars Katherine Waterston (“Steve Jobs,” “Inherent Vice”) as Tina; Tony Award-winner Dan Fogler (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”) as Jacob; Alison Sudol (“Dig,” “Transparent”) as Tina’s sister, Queenie; Ezra Miller (“Trainwreck”) as Credence; two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton (“In America,” “Sweet and Lowdown”) as Mary Lou; Oscar winner Jon Voight (“Coming Home,” TV’s “Ray Donovan”) as Henry Shaw, Sr.; Ron Perlman (the “Hellboy” films) as Gnarlack; Carmen Ejogo (“Selma”) as Seraphina; Jenn Murray (“Brooklyn”) as Chastity; young newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove as Modesty; and Colin Farrell (“True Detective”) as Percival Graves.

The film marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, whose beloved Harry Potter books were adapted into the top-grossing film franchise of all time. Her script was inspired by the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, written by her character Newt Scamander.

The film reunites a number of people from the “Harry Potter” features, including producers David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram.

Collaborating with Yates behind the scenes are: Oscar-winning director of photography Philippe Rousselot (“A River Runs Through It,” the “Sherlock Holmes” movies), three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Gandhi,” the “Harry Potter” films), three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Tim Burke (“Gladiator,” the “Harry Potter” films), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Manz (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1”), and Yates’ longtime editor Mark Day (the last four “Harry Potter” films).

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is being filmed at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which was home to the “Harry Potter” films for a decade. Some scenes were also shot on location in Liverpool, England.

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for worldwide release in 2D and 3D in select theatres and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

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"Fantastic Beasts" Begins Shooting in England

Filming Gets Underway on “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

Much-anticipated new film, written by wizarding world creator J.K. Rowling and being directed by David Yates, starts production in England

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography has begun on Warner Bros. Pictures’ highly anticipated feature “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The all new adventure is set in the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling in her best-selling Harry Potter books, which were adapted into the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.

Filming started Monday, August 17, 2015, at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” feature films.

Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”) stars as Newt Scamander, the wizarding world’s preeminent magizoologist, who stops in New York following his travels to find and document magical creatures.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” also stars Katherine Waterston (“Inherent Vice”) as Tina; Alison Sudol (“Dig,” “Transparent”) as Tina’s sister, Queenie; Tony Award winner Dan Fogler (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”) as Jacob; Ezra Miller (“Trainwreck”) as Credence; two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton (“In America,” “Sweet and Lowdown”) as Mary Lou; Jenn Murray (“Brooklyn”) as Chastity; young newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove as Modesty; and Colin Farrell (“True Detective”) as Graves.

Marking the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, the script was inspired by her character Newt Scamander’s Hogwarts textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The film is being produced by David Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” features; J.K. Rowling; Steve Kloves; and Lionel Wigram.

Collaborating with Yates behind the scenes are: Oscar-winning director of photography Philippe Rousselot (“A River Runs Through It,” the “Sherlock Holmes” movies), three-time Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“The English Patient,” “Dangerous Liaisons,” “Gandhi,” the “Harry Potter” films), three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood (“Chicago,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Tim Burke (“Gladiator,” the “Harry Potter” films), Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor Christian Manz (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1”), and Yates’ longtime editor Mark Day (the last four “Harry Potter” films).

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

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Katherine Waterston Joins "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"

Katherine Waterston Set to Star Opposite Eddie Redmayne in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Katherine Waterston (“Inherent Vice”) will star opposite Eddie Redmayne in Warner Bros. Pictures’ much-anticipated adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. The announcement was made by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

Waterston will play the pivotal role of Tina, short for Porpentina, a witch who—unlike the beloved characters from Rowling’s Harry Potter books—works her magic in the U.S. She meets magizoologist Newt Scamander (Redmayne) when he stops in New York City on his travels to find and document magical creatures.

In making the announcement, Silverman said, “Katherine Waterston is a rising star, who was a revelation in our film ‘Inherent Vice,’ earning the praise of both critics and audiences. We are thrilled to have her back in the Warner Bros. family, especially in one of our most anticipated titles for 2016, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.’”

David Yates (director of the last four “Harry Potter” films) will direct from J.K. Rowling’s screenplay, inspired by Newt Scamander’s Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Ms. Rowling is an acknowledged authority on all things magical, having authored the Harry Potter series of books.

The film is being produced by David Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” features; J.K. Rowling; Steve Kloves, who scripted all but one of the “Harry Potter” films; and Lionel Wigram, who served as an executive producer on the last four installments of the franchise.

Katherine Waterston recently starred in Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed film “Inherent Vice,” for which she shared in an Independent Spirit Award for Best Ensemble. She also stars in the upcoming biopic “Steve Jobs,” under the direction of Danny Boyle. Her other credits include the award-winning HBO series “Boardwalk Empire,” and the films “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby,” “Night Moves,” “Being Flynn,” “Taking Woodstock” and “Michael Clayton.”

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

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Warner Bros. Announces Eddie Redmayne as "Newt Scamander"

Oscar Winner Eddie Redmayne Enters the Wizarding World as Newt Scamander in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne has been cast as Newt Scamander in Warner Bros. Pictures’ much-anticipated wizarding world adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
Redmayne will play J.K. Rowling’s creation Newt Scamander, the Wizarding World’s preeminent magizoologist, who in his travels has encountered and documented a myriad of magical creatures, ultimately leading to his penning the Hogwarts School textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

In making the announcement, Silverman said, “Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today’s most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors. We are thrilled to welcome him into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where we know he will deliver a remarkable performance as Newt Scamander, the central character in ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.’”

Making her screenwriting debut on the film, J.K. Rowling has developed the character of Scamander and his primer—taken from her globally beloved Harry Potter series—to further explore the unique wizarding world she has crafted in print and bring it to life on screen.

David Yates, who directed the last four “Harry Potter” films and will direct “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” stated, “Eddie is a fearless actor, brimming with invention, wit and humanity. I couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of working with him as we start this new adventure in J.K. Rowling’s wonderful world, and I know she feels the same way.”

The film is being produced by David Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” features; J.K. Rowling; Steve Kloves, who scripted all but one of the “Harry Potter” films; and Lionel Wigram, who served as an executive producer on the last four installments of the franchise.

Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2014 biopic “The Theory of Everything.” His stunning portrayal of Stephen Hawking in that film also brought him Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards. In 2012, Redmayne starred as Marius in Tom Hooper’s screen adaptation of the hit musical “Les Misérables,” with Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried. In 2010, Redmayne won a Tony Award for his performance in “Red,” which marked his Broadway debut. On screen, he next stars in Hooper’s true-life drama “The Danish Girl,” due out this November.

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

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Shooting Begins on 3D Tarzan Film Due in 2016

Tarzan Swings into Action as Filming Begins on the New 3D Action Adventure

Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, and Christoph Waltz are starring in the Jerry Weintraub production under the direction of David Yates

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ new Tarzan 3D action adventure, starring Alexander Skarsgård (HBO’s “True Blood”) as the legendary character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters, including “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Parts 1 & 2,” is directing. Jerry Weintraub (“Behind the Candelabra,” the “Ocean’s” trilogy) is producing the film, together with David Barron (the “Harry Potter” films, upcoming “Cinderella”). Susan Ekins, Nikolas Korda, David Yates, Mike Richardson and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.

The feature also stars Oscar nominee Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction,” the “Captain America” films), Margot Robbie (“The Wolf of Wall Street”), Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou (“Blood Diamond,” “Gladiator”), Oscar nominee John Hurt (“The Elephant Man,” the “Harry Potter” films), and two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds,” “Django Unchained”).

It has been years since the man once known as Tarzan (Skarsgård) left the jungles of Africa behind for a gentrified life as John Clayton III, Lord Greystoke, with his beloved wife, Jane (Robbie) at his side. Now, he has been invited back to the Congo to serve as a trade emissary of Parliament, unaware that he is a pawn in a deadly convergence of greed and revenge, masterminded by the Belgian, Captain Leon Rom (Waltz). But those behind the murderous plot have no idea what they are about to unleash.

The adventure is being shot at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, as well as on location around the UK.

Collaborating with Yates behind the scenes, the creative team includes director of photography Henry Braham (“The Golden Compass”), Oscar-winning production designer Stuart Craig (“Dangerous Liaisons,” “The English Patient,” the “Harry Potter” films), editor Mark Day (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Parts 1 & 2”), and Oscar-nominated costume designer Ruth Myers (“Emma,” “Unknown”).

A Jerry Weintraub production, the Tarzan action adventure is slated for release on July 1, 2016, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Warner Bros. Bringing Tarzan Back to the Big Screen in 3D

Warner Bros. Pictures Swings into a New Big-Screen Tarzan Adventure, Slated for a July 1, 2016 Release

Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, and Christoph Waltz are starring under the direction of David Yates, with Jerry Weintraub producing

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that the Studio has entered into pre-production on a new live-action 3D Tarzan action adventure, bringing Edgar Rice Burroughs’ legendary character back to the big screen. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, and Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, also announced that the film has been slated to open domestically on July 1, 2016.

Alexander Skarsgård (HBO’s “True Blood”) has been set to star as the man who was orphaned as a baby and raised in the jungle, later to return to the urban jungle of London. The film also stars Oscar® nominee Samuel L. Jackson (“Pulp Fiction”); Margot Robbie (“The Wolf of Wall Street”), as Jane Porter, who becomes the love of Tarzan’s life; and two-time Academy Award® winner Christoph Waltz (“Inglourious Basterds,” “Django Unchained”).

David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters, will direct the new feature from a screenplay based on the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs. A Jerry Weintraub production, the film is being produced by Weintraub (“Behind the Candelabra,” the “Ocean’s” trilogy), together with David Barron and Alan Riche.

In making the announcement, Silverman said, “We have assembled a phenomenal international cast to tell this extraordinary story. Warner Bros. has also enjoyed long and successful collaborations with both David Yates and Jerry Weintraub, and we look forward to seeing what they and the entire team have in store for this timeless tale.”

Kroll added, “Tarzan has been an enduring and enigmatic figure in literature and cinema for more than a century. The adventures of a man who was torn between two worlds has entertained and intrigued people young and old, and we are excited to bring him to the screen for a new generation.”

Fellman stated, “This is a perfect entry for the summer movie season corridor, with a terrific combination of action, adventure, romance and suspense that is sure to appeal to a broad audience.”

Jerry Weintraub added, “I am so pleased to be reuniting with the team at Warner Bros. on this thrilling project. David Yates and I are going to be using the best of today’s technology in creating this new adventure, and we can’t wait to get started.”

2012 Empire Awards Honors "Harry Potter" and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"

AN OUTSTANDING YEAR FOR BRITISH FILM

GARY OLDMAN WINS BEST ACTOR AWARD AS TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY DOMINATES

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 2 SCOOPS BEST FILM AND BEST DIRECTOR

THE INBETWEENERS WINS BEST COMEDY

Stars of the film world gathered on Sunday 25th March to celebrate the Jameson Empire Awards 2012 and to witness what has been an outstanding success for British film and British acting talent.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy dominated the awards, winning Best Thriller, Best British Film and Best Actor for Gary Oldman; closely followed by Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 which was awarded Best Director for David Yates and Best Film. The night also saw Kenneth Branagh’s Thor win Best Sci-Fi, Ben Palmer’s The Inbetweeners win Best Comedy and Ben Wheatley’s Kill List win Best Horror.

Further to Gary Oldman’s deserving win, British actors continued to lead the awards with Olivia Colman winning Best Actress for her role in Paddy Considine’s Tyrannosaur; Michael Fassbender won the Empire Hero award; and two of Britain’s rising stars won Best Newcomer - Tom Hiddleston for Thor and Felicity Jones for Like Crazy.

Tim Burton was honoured with the Empire Legend award. Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn shook off competition from Hugo, Harry Potter, Transformers and Thor to win The Art of 3D awardand Ron Howard was honoured with the Empire Inspiration award.

This year aspiring film makers from around the world flooded the popular amateur filmmaking award Done In 60 Seconds with their entries and the finalists include fantastic one-minute reprisals of films such as War Horse, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy and The King’s Speech. However, there can only be one winner, and the judging panel, which included award-winning British actor and comedian, Chris O’Dowd, presenter Alex Zane, film director Gareth Edwards and Empire Editor Mark Dinning awarded the prize to Indira Suleimenova for Black Swan.

The Jameson Empire Awards are held after the industry voted events and are one of the only film awards to be voted for entirely by the public. Held at Grosvenor House Hotel and hosted for the first time by Lauren Laverne and Empire’s Chris Hewitt, stars in attendance included Gary Oldman, Danny De Vito, Agyness Deyn, Berenice Marlohe, James McAvoy, Tom Hiddleston, Harry Hill and Michael Fassbender.

Mark Dinning, Empire’s Editor, said: “British movies have ruled the world in the past year, and we are delighted to see them rule the roost here tonight, too. The readers of Empire are the smartest academy out there and this year they have picked the very best winners from a terrific 12 months. With the Olympics and Euro 2012 just around the corner, our homegrown movie heroes have tonight kicked off a year we hope is packed with British triumph.”

Empire magazine, published by Bauer London Lifestyle Ltd, Empire is the World's biggest movie magazine and remains the biggest film magazine brand in the UK, outselling its nearest competitor by two to one. Launched in 1989, Empire has now grown to a total circulation of 167,056 (ABC Jul-Dec 11) with a worldwide readership of over 1 million. Empire online has 22 million page impressions per month and 2.2 million unique users. 2011 was a stand-out year for Empire, as it successfully launched its own fully-interactive iPad edition and a film event, Big Screen, at the O2.

Jameson Whiskey: Jameson Irish Whiskey is the world’s No.1 selling Irish whiskey and is amongst the elite of the fastest growing international spirit brands in the world. The success of this Irish brand is down to its great quality and smooth taste, coupled with a fantastic heritage, established in 1780 by the legendary John Jameson. It has the quality credentials which allow it to be consumed straight, but is versatile and is equally great when mixed.

The Jameson Empire Awards 2012 Winners List:

Best Film presented by Sky Movies
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2

Best British Film
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Best Director
David Yates - Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows – Part 2

Jameson Best Actor
Gary Oldman - Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Best Actress
Olivia Colman -Tyrannosaur

Best Male Newcomer
Tom Hiddleston

Best Female Newcomer
Felicity Jones

The Art Of 3D presented by RealD
The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn

Best Comedy
The Inbetweeners Movie

Best Thriller
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Best Horror
Kill List

Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Thor

Empire Hero
Michael Fassbender

Empire Legend
Tim Burton

Empire Inspiration
Ron Howard

Done In 60 Seconds (to amateur filmmakers)
Indira Suleimenova for Black Swan

"Harry Potter" Wins Big at 2012 Art Directors Guild Awards

The Art Directors Guild (ADG) is an American labor union and also a branch of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE) that represents motion picture and television professionals. Among the ADG’s sponsored activities are a film society and the Annual ADG Awards.

The ADG has announced the nominations for their 16th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards. The winners were announced Saturday, February 4, 2012.

16th Annual (2012) Excellence in Production Design Awards winners:

Period Film:
HUGO Production Designer: Dante Ferretti

Fantasy Film
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 Production Designer: Stuart Craig

Contemporary Film
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Production Designer: Donald Graham Burt

In addition, the guild
• presented a lifetime achievement award to Tony Walton
• inducted Robert Boyle, William Darling and Alfred Junge into its hall of fame

This year's Art Directors Guild Cinematic Imagery Award will be presented to the principal team behind the Harry Potter films, including producers David Heyman and David Barron; directors Christopher Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, David Yates; creator and author J.K. Rowling; screenwriters Steve Klove and Michael Goldenberg; production designer Stuart Craig; art director Neil Lamont; and set decorator Stephenie McMillan.

NOMINEES FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN IN TELEVISION:

One-Hour Single Camera Television Series
"Boardwalk Empire" (Episode: 21) Production Designer: Bill Groom

Television Movie or Miniseries
"Mildred Pierce" Production Designer: Mark Friedberg

Episode of a Half Hour Single-Camera Television Series
"Modern Family" (Episode: Express Christmas) Production Designer: Richard Berg

Episode of a Multi-Camera, Variety, or Unscripted Series
"Saturday NIght Live" (Episode: host Justin Timberlake) Production Designers: Keith Ian Raywood, Eugene Lee, Leo Yoshimura, N. Joseph De Tullio

Awards, Music, or Game Shows
83rd Annual Academy Awards Production Designer: Steve Bass

Commercials and Music Videos:
"Activision: Call of Duty" (Episode: Modern Warfare 3) Production Designer: Neil Spisak

Art Directors Guild Announces Nominations; Harry Potter Honored

The Art Directors Guild (ADG) is an American labor union and also a branch of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE) that represents motion picture and television professionals. Among the ADG’s sponsored activities are a film society and the Annual ADG Awards.

The ADG has announced the nominations for their 16th Annual Excellence in Production Design Awards. The ceremony announcing winners will take place Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Paula Poundstone will serve as host for the third consecutive year.

16th Annual (2012) Excellence in Production Design Awards nominations:

Period Film:
THE ARTIST Production Designer: Laurence Bennett
HUGO Production Designer: Dante Ferretti
THE HELP Production Designer: Mark Ricker
ANONYMOUS Production Designer: Sebastian Krawinkel
TINKER TAYLOR SOLDIER SPY Production Designer: Maria Djurkovic

Fantasy Film
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 Production Designer: Stuart Craig
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER Production Designer: Rick Heinrichs
THE ADVENTURES OF TIN TIN: THE SECRET UNICORN Production Designer: TBD
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Production Designer: John Myhre
COWBOYS & ALIENS Production Designer: Scott Chambliss

Contemporary Film
THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO Production Designer: Donald Graham Burt
THE DESCENDANTS Production Designer: Jane Anne Stewart
EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE Production Designer: K.K. Barrett
DRIVE Production Designer: Beth Mickle
BRIDESMAIDS Production Designer: Jefferson Sage

In addition, the guild will

• present a lifetime achievement award to Tony Walton

• induct Robert Boyle, William Darling and Alfred Junge into its hall of fame

This year's Art Directors Guild Cinematic Imagery Award will be presented to the principal team behind the Harry Potter films, including producers David Heyman and David Barron; director David Yates; creator and author J.K. Rowling; screenwriter Steve Kloves; production designer Stuart Craig; art director Neil Lamont; and set decorator Stephenie McMillan.

Harry Potter 8 Now Third Highest Grossing Film Ever

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the Number One Film of 2011

The finale of the series is the top-grossing film domestically and internationally

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing to make box office magic, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” has now become the top-grossing release of 2011 in all categories: domestic box office, international box office and worldwide box office. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, and President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan-Rubinek.

The last installment of the blockbuster motion picture franchise has broken numerous box office records around the world in just under a month since its July opening. As of August 8, the film had earned $344.8 million domestically and $801.5 million internationally, for an astounding worldwide box office gross of $1.146 billion, making “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” the third-highest-grossing film worldwide of all time.

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek stated, “‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2’ can truly be called a global phenomenon. The filmmakers and cast, who dedicated their talents to the success of these films for over a decade, share in this piece of cinema history. We congratulate and thank them all.”

Dan Fellman said, “This is another incredible milestone for the last chapter of this historic film series, and for the Harry Potter franchise as a whole. In a crowded and very competitive summer, it is a tribute to both the film and the people behind it that moviegoers are still turning out to enjoy it—whether for the first time or for a repeat viewing.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film is being released in select IMAX® theatres. The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/

Harry Potter 8 Becomes Ninth Film to Gross a Billion Dollars in Worldwide Box Office

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” Crosses $1 Billion Threshold

The last is now first, as the finale becomes the top-grossing title in the film series.

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Continuing its record-breaking run, Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” has surpassed $1 billion at the worldwide box office, becoming the first in the series—and just the ninth film in cinema history—to reach that benchmark. The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Pictures President of Domestic Distribution, Dan Fellman, and President of International Distribution, Veronika Kwan-Rubinek.

Adding to the records already achieved, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” tied the record for the fastest climb to $1 billion. The finale of the blockbuster motion picture franchise crossed the billion dollar mark on Sunday, July 31, only its 17th day in release in North America, as well as most international markets. The film has now earned an estimated $318.46 million domestically and an estimated $690 million on the international side for a worldwide total to date of approximately $1.008 billion, already making it, globally, the top-grossing film in Warner Bros. Pictures’ history.

Dan Fellman stated, “What’s truly astounding is that these kinds of numbers are being achieved so early in the film’s release. The movie’s excellent reviews, outstanding word-of-mouth and repeat business will ensure that Harry Potter will be charming moviegoers for months to come.”

Veronika Kwan-Rubinek remarked, “To say that the global response to the film has been extraordinary would be an understatement. We are so proud that this last film in the series has not only reached such heights but has reached them in record time. It is now Warner Bros.’ most successful release ever, and there is still plenty more to come.”

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson reprise their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The film’s ensemble cast also includes Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

The film was directed by David Yates, and produced by David Heyman, David Barron and J.K. Rowling. Steve Kloves adapted the screenplay, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Lionel Wigram is the executive producer.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the first Harry Potter film to be released in both 3D and 2D. Concurrently with its nationwide theatrical distribution, the film is being released in select IMAX® theatres. The film is being distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. It has been rated PG-13 for some sequences of intense action violence and frightening images.

http://www.harrypotter.com/