The film will be based on the textbook of the same name featured in the Harry Potter series, and will follow the adventures of its fictitious author Newt Scamander. Rowling has described the new film as "neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world". It is planned as the first in a new movie series.
The announcement of Rowling's return to the wizarding world sent the internet into meltdown yesterday and fans, stars and critics have been sharing their opinions of the decision ever since. Digital Spy rounds up a selection of the online reactions below...
Digital Spy
"Can't wait for this. With JK Rowling writing the screenplay, it should be more than epic. It should be epic epic." - Dalekbuster523
"Nothing against her, but I really wish some of these studios would put some faith in new writers. HP did well on the back of massive publicity and advertising so that it became self-propelling; we need some new writing blood with the same support behind it. Exactly the same argument applies to the same old faces in every TV programme on the box..." - The H
"This is just fantastic news!! And it shows how JKR isn't a snobby author who doesn't take other people's ideas on board! I actually think this move is ingenious!" - Thomas Friel
What to Read Next
"This sounds like it started out as a shameless cash-in by Warner Bros, but could actually turn out pretty awesomely." - TheBigEye
"Sounds stupid but of course I'm going to watch it." - Max Power
"How utterly pathetic, Harry Potter is old school. Anything to do with it is old school to be honest, it was released in 2001 when I was in my 5th year of primary school. Rowling is just getting totally greedy, I don't even like her work anymore." - Anthony_Kitche1
"If Hogwarts is not in it then I will hope it fails." - fhs man 2 (via forums)
"why can't she just go away? Hasn't she made enough money already" - Sarah Metzstein (via Facebook)
This feels like having gotten over an ex & then they resurface in ur life & ALL THE FEELINGS COME RIGHT BACK & YOU LOVE IT #FantasticBeasts
— Evanna Lynch (@Evy_Lynch) September 12, 2013
I'm just excited Rowling is writing it herself because the movies never quite captured her brilliant talent for quippy dialogue.
— Katie Schenkel (@JustPlainTweets) September 12, 2013
I'm actually super excited!! Cannot believe it! That has put me in such a good mood #TheMagicContinues #FantasticBeasts #HarryPotter
— Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) September 12, 2013
I'm probably the only person in the world that hates Harry Potter and considers JK Rowling a hack who's milking the series for all its worth
— Lola (@lola_hardy) September 13, 2013
My reaction to the news of JK Rowling's 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' pic.twitter.com/8gE6n2ILvd
— Kate Shanks (@Kmeshanks) September 12, 2013
So excited to hear of a new Harry Potter related film from JKR! #fanatic
— Becky Haigh (@beckyhaigh) September 12, 2013
Waiting for J.K. Rowling to write a Harry Potter spin-off starring Neville Longbottom and Hermione as hot, sassy, crime-fighting wizards.
— Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) September 12, 2013
