Fantastic Beasts’ promising, but not yet Potter-magical

J.K. Rowling, embarking on her new, post-Potter blockbuster franchise with "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," has said herself that her screenplay, which she began several years ago, was informed by world events - particularly, she noted, a rise in populism around the globe. And so there's definitely some darkness in "Fantastic Beasts," despite its being a family film, complete with the sweetest little beasts imaginable - expect to see your kid melt forthwith over the lovable jewelry-imbibing Niffler But there's also a refreshingly light tone competing with the sinister themes, thanks especially to two exceedingly appealing supporting characters headed for a sweet confection of a romance.

A Timeline Of The Harry Potter Fandom Unraveling In 2016

J.K. Rowling always said that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows would be the last book in the Harry Potter series, but if 2016 taught us anything, it's that Rowling is more invested in the wizarding world than ever. In the years since The Deathly Hallows 's release on July 21, 2007, Harry Potter has become Rowling's Room of Requirement: Sometimes it's there, and sometimes it's not, but when it does appear, it becomes whatever she needs it to be.