J.K. Rowling Explains the Reveal That Voldemort's Snake Was Once a Human Woman

Some are calling the move to cast Claudia Kim as a future snake servant in 'Fantastic Beasts 2' problematic.

September 25, 2018

J.K. Rowling 'Fantastic Beasts 2' — Image via Getty/Bruce Glikas
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The final trailer forFantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald dropped a bombshell on Potterheads already anxious for an expansion of the wizarding world. In it, Claudia Kim’s character is revealed as Nagini, who later becomes Lord Voldemort’s trusted snake and Horcrux.

Now super fans are flipping out, because up until this point only J.K. Rowling—and of course the cast and crew of Fantastic Beasts—knew Nagini was ever human. It’s a secret the author admitted she’s been sitting on for about 20 years.

This obviously leaves fans with some questions Rowling is happy to answer. On Twitter the she explained that Nagini is a human and a Maledictus, not an Animagus like Sirius Black. Her condition is a blood curse that only affects women, and one that Nagini has no control over.

She also once again shot down the theory that the boa constrictor in the first Harry Potter film was Nagini.

Since the trailer's release, there are also important concerns being voiced about Fantastic Beasts casting an Asian woman to play a character that becomes a snake, citing the cultural baggage it implies. While some are defending Rowling’s decision as a nod to Southeast Asian culture, others are criticizing it for what Nagini undergoes in the future, specifically serving under Voldemort who...drinks her milk.

However you feel about it, this Nagini reveal is huge news and everyone, even Lord Voldemort, is giving their two cents.