Get Psyched for 'Fantastic Beasts'!

The Harry Potter universe has apparated back on to the big screen!

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them has had quite a journey to filmdom. It is based on a book written by J.K. Rowling in 2001, which is in turn based on the textbook used at Hogwarts by Harry, Ron, Hermione, and all their friends, which was then later released as an actual textbook, also written by Rowling! Whew! The film version follows the author of the texbook, Newt Scamander, and how he came to know these beasts and become a magizoologist (AKA magical creatures expert).

J.K. Rowling also announced that there would be 5 films based on Fantastic Beasts book! But let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet -- here are 3 reasons why we are excited for the first film, which hits theatres next Friday (November 18)!

1. The Cast

This cast is outstanding -- featuring Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, the wizard who comes into contact with the magical beasts; Colin Farrell as Percival Graves, the Director of Magical Security -- YIKES, we all know how intimidating he can be; Katherine Waterston and Don Fogler co-star as well. Johnny Depp was recently confirmed as Grindewald in the second film, and rumor has it that he might make an appearance in this one as well. Side note: Dumbledore will also be featured in the second film, however this takes place 70 years before Harry arrives at Hogwarts, so expect to see a much younger and virile Dumbledore than ever!

2. David Yates & David Heyman are BACK!

Many who watched the Harry Potter series know that David Yates and David Heyman were crucial in capturing the magical universe. The director and producer worked closely with J.K. Rowling to make sure that page-to-screen was as faithful as possible. When you watch the trailer you will definitely feel right their magic touch, even though the film takes place in 1920s NYC.

3. Overlap

The prequel to the Harry Potter series may have some overlap. We are of course expecting the two series to be their own entities, but in hopes of seeing character interaction at a younger age, maybe Hogwarts professors or family members. We most likely won’t see cameos from Harry Potter cast members, but it will be fun to see them portrayed at a younger age by someone new. Who knows, with witches and wizards in the mix, we could see some time jumps in the next four films!

What are YOU most excited about?

(Image via Warner Bros./YouTube)

- Brittany Taormina, YH Contributing Writer