Three Megamovies Planned for J.K. Rowling's 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'

As if J.K. Rowling could abandon the wonderful world of wizarding? Please! We reported back in September that she'd be waving her magic wand yet again and acting as screenwriter for the Harry Potter spinoff, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," and now, Variety is reporting that this vision is coming to fruition on the big screen thanks to Warner Bros. Best part? It's not going to be just one film either, three "megamovies" are being planned. The 54-page Hogwarts textbook was written in 2001 as a companion piece and was published between "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix."

The recent announcement came when The New York Times did a profile on Warner Bros. CEO, Kevin Tsujihara and he confirmed that the film franchise will indeed be a trilogy. Initially lauding Mr. Tsujihara's success and magic touch, they wrote:

Wherever he learned the skill, his deft touch became clear to Hollywood’s creative community last September. That is when Warner announced that Ms. Rowling had agreed to adapt for the big screen her “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a 2001 book billed as one of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts textbooks. Three megamovies are planned. The main character will be a “magizoologist” named Newt Scamander. The stories, neither prequels or sequels, will start in New York about seven decades before the arrival of Mr. Potter and his pals.

Convincing the famously independent Ms. Rowling to dive back into film was a coup. “When I say he made ‘Fantastic Beasts’ happen, it isn’t P.R.-speak but the literal truth,” Ms. Rowling said in response to emailed questions. “We had one dinner, a follow-up telephone call, and then I got out the rough draft that I’d thought was going to be an interesting bit of memorabilia for my kids and started rewriting!” She added, “When Kevin got the top job, he brought a new energy, which rubbed off. He’s a very engaging person, thoughtful and funny.”


There is no word on when the first film will appear but we'll keep you up-to-date on any news surrounding this exciting project.

-Larissa Mrykalo

'Harry Potter' Gearing Up to Hit the Stage

Bust out your wands, "Harry Potter" fans, because author J.K. Rowling is ready to take us back into the world of witchcraft and wizardry. Rowling recently took to her Facebook page and announced that she will be co-producing a play with Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender about "The Boy Who Lived" and his time before Hogwarts. According to the statement released on her Facebook:

What was it like to be the boy in the cupboard under the stairs? This brand new play, which will be developed for the UK theatre, will explore the previously untold story of Harry's early years as an orphan and outcast. Featuring some of our favourite characters from the Harry Potter books, this new work will offer a unique insight into the heart and mind of the now legendary young wizard. A seemingly ordinary boy, but one for whom Destiny has plans...Over the years I have received countless approaches about turning Harry Potter into a theatrical production, but Sonia and Colin’s vision was the only one that really made sense to me, and which had the sensitivity, intensity and intimacy I thought appropriate for bringing Harry's story to the stage. After a year in gestation it is exciting to see this project moving on to the next phase. I’d like to thank Warner Bros. for their continuing support in this project.

Rowling will not be writing the script, unfortunately, though the team is looking for writers and directors to continue the beloved story of young Harry. The project is expected to move into development in 2014.

-Nowal Massari

'Harry Potter' Commemorative Stamps Available for Sale This November 19

Good news for fans of the boy who lived! According to USA Today, the US Postal Service is introducing a limited-edition commemorative set of stamps that depict 20 images from the eight Harry Potter films. They’re available for pre-order now but you can purchase the Forever stamps in your local post office this November 19.

Executive director of USPS stamp services, Susan McGowan states revealed that five million booklets of the 20 First-Class Forever Harry Potter stamps will be produced and a huge demand is expected. She points out that Harry’s adventure into magic begins thanks to receiving a letter that invites him to Hogwarts. Nice tie-in!

President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Brad Globe, shares his excitement, "In the books and films, Harry Potter's life changed with a letter, so we couldn't envision a more fitting tribute to commemorate the world created by J.K. Rowling and brought to life in the Warner Bros. films. We think fans around the world will share our excitement in seeing the films take their place alongside the most significant figures and events in history as part of the U.S. stamp program.”

Will this generate a new generation of stamp collectors? The USPS hopes so! Check out some of the images after the jump, courtesy of “The Today Show." Remember to either place your pre-order now or get on your broomsticks this November 19 and head to your post office!

-Larissa Mrykalo

J.K. Rowling to Wave Her Magic Wand Yet Again?

Courtesy: telegraph.co.uk

J.K. Rowling has recently announced that she's snatched up her quill and will be acting as screenwriter for a NEW Harry Potter movie!

Before you Potterheads get too excited, this movie takes place quite some time before the Boy Who Lived, well, lived. Rowling and Warner Bros. have partnered to bring "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," a textbook introduced in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone."

While there is currently no director or actual story, it looks like Warner Bros. and Rowling are planning this to be the first in a new series of films in the Potterverse. Rowling has stated that this first film, which will mark her screenwriting debut, is neither a sequel nor a prequel to the Harry Potter series. It will take place in New York 70 years before Harry and the gang were born and feature some of the magical creatures we were introduced to in the series and more. The story will also involve Newt Scamander, author of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."