It was just announced today that J.K. Rowling is going to be in charge of a new film franchise. The series is called Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, based on a textbook that Hogwarts students have been seen using throughout the Harry Potter series. This film is not quite a prequel or sequel to the Harry Potter franchise, but will be viewed more as an extension of the series.

There is a whole series planned that will feature Newt Scamander as the main character and chronicle his adventures. Scamander is the author of the fictional book, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them and has been seen throughout the Harry Potter Franchise, as early as Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone. Scamander is what has been referred to in the books as a magizoologist, someone who studies magical creatures. His book, which features 75 magical species from around the world, was derived from years of research and travel across five continents, according to the LA Times.

It is said that Newt was born in 1897 and sorted into the Hufflepuff house, after being admitted to Hogwarts. After graduating from Hogwarts, he joined the Ministry Of Magic, the government that exists in the Harry Potter world. He also served as the headmaster of Hogwarts as some point during his life and reportedly wrote the famous book about beasts in 1918. Another interesting fact to not about Scamander is that his grandson ended up marrying Luna Lovegood, a friend to Harry, Ron and Hermoine. She was first mentioned in Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix and has actually been described as Rowling’s favorite character, which says something about Scamander.

Evanna Lynch, the actress who played Luna Lovegood in the series took to twitter, in order to show her excitement about the new film series, and was one of the first to do so. Several other people involved with the Harry Potter films and many fans did as well.

This feels like having gotten over an ex & then they resurface in ur life & ALL THE FEELINGS COME RIGHT BACK & YOU LOVE IT #FantasticBeasts

— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) September 12, 2013

Maybe "Fantastic Beasts" will turn into a long ting like HP did & I can play Luna as an old lady? @wbpictures #hopeful #fantasticbeasts

— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) September 12, 2013

John Green, a fellow young adult author was also excited about the news, but hopes for more books as well. Could that be a possibility? Let’s hope so!

Delighted to learn we will know more of Rowling's wizard world, although I can't help but greedily also wish for MORE BOOKS.

— John Green (@realjohngreen) September 12, 2013

An ebook of the fictional book from the series can also be purchased online for the enjoyment of her dedicated fans at the fan website, Pottermore.

J.K. Rowling will also serve as the screenwriter for the new project and it will be the first time that she has written a screenplay, which she is excited about. She is excited to introduce fans of the Harry Potter franchise into a new part of the wizarding world. The plot of the film will differ by taking place in New York, unlike England with Harry Potter and the story is also expected to take place roughly 70 years before the story of Harry Potter began. Rowling mentioned in a statement to Entertainment Weekly that “The laws and customs of the hidden magical society will be familiar to anyone who has read the Harry Potter books or seen the films, but Newt’s story will start in New York, 70 years before Harry’s gets underway.”

Seamus Finnegan is excited too. Are you?

Ok so Jk Rowling is doing a new movie for Warner Bros. who else is excited about this? #FantasticBeasts

— Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) September 12, 2013

A release date for the film as unknown at this point, and whether any familiar characters such as Dumbledore will be a part of the plot. The film will be presented by Warner Brothers, who produced each of the Harry Potter films, and has a close relationship with Rowling.

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