‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’ Trailer Debuts, And It Is Magical

The first trailer for J.K. Rowling’s latest fantasy series Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has finally debuted, and it is magical. Following up the highly successful Harry Potter series, Fantastic Beasts promises to deliver new tales into Rowling’s expanding Potterverse.

Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them Delivers More Magic And Mayhem

In Fantastic Beasts, Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne, is a magizoologist traveling to New York. Newt has a nondescript case with him and, as is usually true of the Harry Potter universe, there is much more to this tote than first meets the eye.

This case, as well as the magic contained within, is the catalyst for the story that unfolds in this first installment of Fantastic Beasts. Newt’s tote actually carries habitats for a number of strange and fascinating magical creatures, and it’s the escape of a few of these creatures into the magic-phobic world of New York City that fuels Newt’s adventures.

Eddie Redmayne’s character has a unique look that’s hard to miss with a brown suit and contrasting blue peacoat. The first look of Eddie dressed up as Newt Scamander portrayed him standing in the Magical Congress of the United States with wand and valise.

A series of follow-up films are planned, dependent upon the success of the first film.

Eddie Redmayne Worries About Following In Harry Potter’s Footsteps

Speaking of the first Rowling-based franchise, Redmayne has said that he worries about following behind such a highly successful series of films.

“The stakes are high because they were so good before. You don’t want to screw it up.”

Redmayne’s desire to make good isn’t just a career concern. The Fantastic Beasts actor says that he has been a long-time fan of Rowling and of the Harry Potter franchise, so his eagerness to add to that is a matter of personal pride for him.

“It’s a complete privilege for me. I love J.K. Rowling. I love the Harry Potter films [and] books so for me this is just the most wondrous gift really.”

For those hoping to see a cameo appearance from Harry Potter’s own Daniel Radcliffe, the actor says he will not be seen in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Radcliffe did say that he was excited to see the films and mentioned that he was a fan of Redmayne’s acting, so he is really looking forward to seeing how everything comes together.

When asked to offer wizarding advice to Eddie, the Harry Potter actor said that he didn’t feel Redmayne needed any advice. Daniel just suggested that he enjoy the role and the experience.

Radcliffe added that he didn’t feel Eddie had anything to live up to, either. The Harry Potter star just stressed that Redmayne should enjoy himself and not worry about living up to what has already been done.

Redmayne may feel differently about the situation, however, and it may be this desire to shine as brightly as Radcliffe’s Harry Potter that could make Fantastic Beasts a critical success.

Previously, Eddie Redmayne made news with his portrayal of physicist Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. The film chronicles the life of Hawking, documenting both his academic achievements and his debilitating illness.

More recently, the actor drew attention for his ability to play transgender activist Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl. The love story of Lily and wife Gerda Wegener is revealed as Lili fights for transgender rights in the early 1920s.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opens in theaters on November 11, 2016.

[Image via Warner Bros.]