JK Rowling New Film, Written in 'Harry Potter' Universe: 'Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them' Focuses on Hogwarts' Textbook Author

JK Rowling is returning to the Harry Potter universe, writing the script for a film titled Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. While the movie will not feature any of the main Potter characters, it will take place in the same world, following around Newt Scamander, the author of one of Hogwarts' first-year textbooks. 

"Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for seventeen years, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world," said Rowling in a statement. "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, seventy years before Harry's gets underway." 

The film will mark Rowling's first foray into screenwriting, a decision she explained in the statement.

"It all started when Warner Bros. came to me with the suggestion of turning 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' into a film. I thought it was a fun idea," Rowling said, "but the idea of seeing Newt Scamander, the supposed author of 'Fantastic Beasts,' realized by another writer was difficult. Having lived for so long in my fictional universe, I feel very protective of it and I already knew a lot about Newt. As hard-core Harry Potter fans will know, I liked him so much that I even married his grandson, Rolf, to one of my favourite characters from the Harry Potter series, Luna Lovegood."

Warner Brothers Entertainment CEO Kevin Tsujihara seemed delighted to work with Rowling. 

"We are incredibly honored that Jo has chosen to partner with Warner Bros. on this exciting new exploration of the world of wizardry which has been tremendously successful across all of our businesses," said Tsujihara. "She is an extraordinary writer, who ignited a reading revolution around the world, which then became an unprecedented film phenomenon. We know that audiences will be as excited as we are to see what her brilliant and boundless imagination conjures up for us." 

What do you think? Are you excited for another dip into the world of Harry Potter?

(H/T to Deadline)