In a recent interview, brand-new Warner Bros. C.E.O, Kevin Tsujihara revealed that he was one of the driving forces for the expansion of the HARRY POTTER cinematic universe, which will now stray from the 8-blockbuster series into a new realm; one of fantastic beasts.
Fans of the HP universe will remember that ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them‘ was a side-project written for charity, alongside ‘Quidditch Through the Ages,’ documenting the findings of Newt Scamander, essentially the wizarding equivalent of Charles Darwin, as he discovers new and fantastic creatures throughout the wizarding world. The book will act as source material to three planned ‘megamovies,’ will be neither prequels or sequels and will start in New York roughly seven decades before the arrival of Harry Potter.
It looks as if we have to thank Tsujihara, who actually convinced Rowling to pursue this avenue single-handedly. Rowling had this to say on the matter:
“When I say he made ‘Fantastic Beasts’ happen, it isn’t P.R.-speak but the literal truth. 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!”
The NY Times article also describes Tsujihara’s involvement with turning THE HOBBIT into a three-parter, which may have influenced the decision for FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM to follow the same path. However, it remains unclear currently as to whether or not they might span even farther.
David Heyman is confirmed to be producing, but casting information is non-existent at this point, a director has not been found and a release date, not yet set.
Source: NY Times
