Newt Scamander is the star of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” but his titular creatures are pretty impressive supporting characters. As a magizoologist, Newt loves all kinds of magical animals. Some of his creatures are cute and cuddly while others are fearsome and ferocious. With so many introduced in the new movie, in theaters now, a guide to who’s who might be helpful.
Of course, it doesn’t seem like the American wizarding government cares which are adorable and which are dangerous. The Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) will be angry that Newt (Eddie Redmayne) brought any creatures into the U.S. illegally. In the 1920s, wizards are very worried about exposing themselves.
They live in secret, just like British wizards, but they have very strict rules about interacting with non-magical folk (who are called no-majs). You can’t marry or be friends with a no-maj if you are a witch or wizard. It’s too risky. If MACUSA bans simple friendships, they aren’t going to react well to Newt losing a few magical beasts. His accident threatens the safety of the American Wizarding World.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is written by J.K. Rowling and takes place in the Wizarding World that was first introduced in the “Harry Potter” series. Fans of the original series will definitely recognize a few things, but it seems like most of these creatures are ones that Rowling didn’t get to explore when Harry was fighting Voldemort. Luckily, she has already revealed a bit about them to Entertainment Weekly and through her 2001 index of beasts, which share a title with the Warner Bros. flick. Click through the slideshow above to see the beasts that Newt considers so fantastic.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is in theaters now.
