Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay is an official book containing the original screenplay written by J. K. Rowling for the film of the same name.
On 1 September 2016, Pottermore released the final covers for the UK and US editions of the screenplay. The cover artwork and interior illustrations were designed by Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, the founders of MinaLima.[1]
The book does not contain Rowling's original version, but has been edited to align with the final theatrical cut of the film. As such it does not include any deleted or extended scenes and has been updated to incorporate ad-libbed or modified dialogue.
Cover[]
Being the series which focuses on Beasts, this cover shows many sorts of things present in the film. At the top, there're two feathers representing Frank, Newt's Thunderbird and in the corners there's a Swooping Evil. Diagonal to the Swooping evil is the author, J. K. Rowling's name. Below her name, there's a quill which draws the sign of celtic knot, which represents the importance of both Non-magic people and Wizardkind in this series. In the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film) logo, the S is detailed to look like a Phoenix. Below the logo, at both sides there're two Billywigs. Directly down from the Billwigs are two eyes, whose meaning is unknown. Below the text "The Original Screenplay", there's a beast that is similiar to a Leucrotta. Below it, there're a Niffler and two Niffler paw prints. Directly to both sides of the Niffler are two Runespoors.
Dedication[]
"To the memory of Gordon Murray, real-life creature healer and hero"
The book is dedicated to the author's late father-in law who was a veterinarian.[2]
Acknowledgements[]
Rowling gives her appreciation of Steve Kloves and David Yates for their patience and help in creating the screenplay. They had sent her notes and encouragement as she navigated her way into creating her first ever screenplay.
She then thanks David Heyman, who has been working with her since the first instalment of the Harry Potter films.
Rowling then gives thanks to Kevin Tsujihara who helped her to commit to bringing Newt to life. She states that his support is invaluable.
Finally, she sends her appreciation to her family, her husband Neil and her three children, Jessica, David and Mackenzie, for believing that she should pursue the screenplay.
Official summary[]
J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.
When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.
Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.
Plot[]
Gellert Grindelwald appears at a derelict chateau where he murders five Aurors. He walks past their bodies and stares at the night sky. A montage of newspaper headlines from across the world in 1926 show Grindelwald's many crimes. There is a worldwide hunt for Grindelwald. The final article shows the Statue of Liberty.
Newt Scamander is sitting on a bench on a ship passing the Statue of Liberty. The catch on the suitcase he has carried with him suddenly opens. Newt whispers to Dougal in the suitcase and tells him to settle down.
When they dock at New York City, Newt goes through No-Maj customs. A worker asks Newt what he is carrying in his suitcase. When the catch opens again, the worker asks him to open it. Newt slyly switches the case to option "Muggleworthy" and the worker sees clothing, a journal, maps, an alarm clock and magnifying glass. He gives Newt the pass to go through.
Percival Graves arrives at a destroyed building. An eyewitness describes a large, dark ghost with shining white eyes that fled by disappearing into the earth. When a gust of wind brings with it a screeching scream, Graves is the only person who looks interested. The ground starts to shake before being destroyed by an earthquake before an unknown force flies up into the air until it escapes through a subway station. It roars from the grounds as Graves examines the destruction.
Newt heads to the city bank where he sees Mary Lou Barebone, the leader of the New Salem Philanthropic Society holding a rally. He stops to listen to her as she explains that she believes in evil magic and that they have to fight it.
Tina Goldstein is watching as Newt, and then Jacob push their way past her. Jacob trips over Newt's case and apologises. Mary Lou then notices Newt and asks him whether he is a seeker of truth. Newt says he is more of a chaser. She asks the crowd to heed her words - that witch live among them. Newt notices that his Niffler has escaped and leaves to chase it into the bank.
Newt sits at a bench next to Jacob who starts talking to Newt, who is scanning the room for the Niffler. Newt is uninterested and eventually runs away when he sees the Niffler. He leaves a silver egg on the bench which Jacob picks up and pockets when he is called for his meeting. Newt chases the Niffler which keeps managing to escape.
He locates the Niffler to a storage room where it is stealing gold and silver. He brings Jacob with him when he tells Newt the egg was hatching. Newt has a battle with the Niffler, and manages to tip it upside down and tickle it until everything had fallen out. They are joined by one of the No-Maj workers, who Newt stuns. They are joined by more, so Newt apparates with Jacob, losing the Niffler again in the process.
Newt tries to Obliviate Jacob. However, he hits him over the head with his suitcase and flees. Tina has noticed what he has done, and follows him outside. She apparates with Newt and asks him whether he removed Jacob's memory. He says no. Tina is upset and asks Newt whether he knows anything about the wizarding society in America. Newt says no.
Finding out about the creatures in his suitcase, Tina takes Newt to the MACUSA to meet with Seraphina Picquery who is in a busy meeting with wizards such as Percival Graves about locating the missing Gellert Grindelwald.
'Engorgio!'
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Editions[]
Behind the scenes[]
- The book also contains a glossary of film terms.
- Some of the home medias of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (film) contain 11 deleted scenes (lasting 14:33 in total): Major Investigation Department; Jacob Tenement; Newt's Case; MACUSA Cell; Creocreatura; Tracking Demiguise; Suitcase Celebration; Skyscraper Roof; Obscuris Unleashed, Part 1; Obscuris Unleashed, Part 2; Newt Goodbye whose scripted scenes are not featured in the book.
Notes and references[]
J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Philosopher's Stone | book | film | games | film soundtrack | game soundtrack |
Chamber of Secrets | book | film | games | film soundtrack | game soundtrack |
Prisoner of Azkaban | book | film | games | film soundtrack | game soundtrack |
Goblet of Fire | book | film | games | film soundtrack | game soundtrack |
Order of the Phoenix | book | film | game | film soundtrack | game soundtrack |
Half-Blood Prince | book | film | games | film soundtrack | game soundtrack |
Deathly Hallows | book | film 1 | games 1 | film soundtrack 1 | game soundtrack 1 |
film 2 | games 2 | film soundtrack 2 | game soundtrack 2 | ||
Cursed Child | script | play | |||
Fantastic Beasts film series | |||||
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them | book | screenplay | film | game | film soundtrack |
The Crimes of Grindelwald | screenplay | film | film soundtrack | ||
The Secrets of Dumbledore | screenplay | film | film soundtrack |