The magical world first introduced by the Harry Potter franchise is set to further expand in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Producer David Heyman revealed author JK Rowling's involvement in the process of creating the film.
A story set 70 years before the events in the Harry Potter franchise is what the upcoming film is focused on. As reported by Ecumenical News, the story focuses on Newt Scamander who is the author of the books featured in the popular film series.
The tale will tell of his adventures as he goes on an adventure to document the mystical creatures around the world. The movie starts in the old 1920s New York. Author JK Rowling previously shared her thoughts about the project on Facebook, professing her love for the character whose grandson she married off to another favorite character of hers, Luna Lovegood.
The film is currently underway and as reported by Wizards and Whatnot, producer David Heyman revealed that Rowling played a vital part in the project.
"Jo was on set and has been an incredible support to us. We'd run concepts by her, she'd give her thoughts and we'd adjust accordingly. She certainly was aware of all the lead casting choices before we finalised them", the producer stated.
Speaking about the film, Heyman said that it carries the spirit of the Potter books minus the part of the children and their issues. He added that the film has darkness within.
"I wouldn't say it's 'dark' but, as with all of Jo's work, it's not soft. There is material in all of the books that has a truth about life. Here, there's darkness within. But there are also these creatures, and an awful lot of humour and heart - which I think will appeal to young and old alike", Heyman stated.
But before the film hits theaters, Rowling has published a connected story that leads up to the Fantastic Beasts, entitled History of Magic in North America. And while the chapters have its high points, Metro reported that the depiction of natives in the story has offended several groups.
According to Metro, Rowling established in the book's first chapter that the tribes did not use wands to perform magic, and stated that the magic they had were lauded. She also stated that those who could do magic were considered as healers or outstanding huntsmen.
Such description did not sit well with the Native Americans who accused her of trivializing their beliefs. Rowling has not commented on the issue. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is directed by David Yates and stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterson, Carmen Egojo, and Ezra Miller among many others. It is set to hit theaters on November 18, 2016.
