Spin-offs are a finicky bunch. In addition to the burden of expanding a classic story with new characters, a decent spin-off is tasked with presenting an old and familiar feeling from a respectfully fresh perspective. The magical world of Harry Potter, though very near the level of Star Wars' critical immunity, isn't above having to master those two elements with the forthcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. However, if the first trailer is any indication, no one should be too worried about Fantastic Beastsdelivering a fumble.
Marking Harry Potter mastermind J.K. Rowling's inaugural screenwriting venture, Fantastic Beasts stars Eddie Redmayne as bow-tied academic Newt Scamander. Adapted from Rowling's own book of the same name, released in 2001 using Scamander as a pseudonym, Fantastic Beasts centers on Redmayne's arrival at the Magical Congress for a very important meeting. More notably, however, is the fact that there's a suitcase full of potentially havoc-wreaking individuals of the general Potter variety just waiting to escape.
Nice move dropping this the week of the aforementioned indie fav, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Well played, J.K. Well played indeed.
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