Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Fantastic Beasts: JK Rowling announces there will be five films in Harry Potter spin-off series

'I've now done the plotting properly, so we're pretty sure it's going to be five movies,' says Ms Rowling

May Bulman
Thursday 13 October 2016 16:57 EDT
Comments
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them - Latest Trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

JK Rowling has announced there will be a total of five films in her new Harry Potter spin-off movie series.

While sitting on a panel about the new series, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them', the author confirmed she was "pretty sure" there were going to be five, and later confirmed the number on Twitter.

Ms Rowling said: "We always knew it was going to be more than one movie. We knew that from the start, and a trilogy is a kind of placeholder.

"I've now done the plotting properly, so we're pretty sure it's going to be five movies."

She later told fans on Twitter there would definitely be five, saying: "Not 'at least' Five. Five movies."

Ms Rowling also confirmed she would be the screenwriter of the movie series, adding that she was currently "putting the finishing touches" on the second film.

The news, which began trending on Twitter shortly after the author announced it, provoked a wave of excitement among Harry Potter fans on social media.

The Fantastic Beasts film franchise wrote on Twitter: "J.K. Rowling has just confirmed the magic continues in a total of FIVE MOVIES! We can't wait!"

The first film in the series will be released on 18 November this year. It takes place in 1920s New York, and focuses on the American magical community and the adventures of a wizard named Newt Scamander.

It is said to feature a cameo by a young Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grendelwald — characters from the original Harry Potter movies.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in