The magic, mystery and adventure lives on for fans of the world of Harry Potter.
Warner Brothers Entertainment has announced a new agreement with author J.K. Rowling which includes a new film series set in the British author's world of witches and wizards. The movies will be inspired by Harry Potter’s Hogwarts textbook “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” and the adventures of the book’s fictitious author, Newt Scamander.
Even bigger news for Rowling fans is that the author will be taking on screenwriting duties for the newly announced series. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" will feature "magical creatures and characters, some of which will be familiar to devoted Harry Potter fans."
Rowling is making it clear, though, that this new story arc will stand on its own, saying it "Is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world.”
Scamander's adventures take place some seventy years before Harry Potter is born and will originate in New York City. Rowling's agreement extends beyond the big screen and includes development right for video games, movie related products and online media.
Warner Brothers announced the partnership will include an expansion of its original Harry Potter business, "including the wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks in conjunction with partner Universal Parks and Resorts in Orlando. Additional Harry Potter themed-parks will soon open in Hollywood and Osaka, Japan.
Rowling's first book aimed at adult audiences, "The Casual Vacancy" is being turned into a BBC mini-series with production set to begin next year.
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