Just when we think JK Rowling is taking some time out for herself, we find ourselves with a new Harry Potter related plot line.
After the arrival of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child last summer, and more recently the first part of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them, it seems the wizarding world will never come to an end. We already know the rest of Fantastic Beasts is due to come out in four more films (so we’ve got the next few years covered - phew) but Rowling was kind enough to release an updated version of part one yesterday.
So - heads up, there will be spoilers here - predictably, the internet has gone crazy, and here’s what has changed:
1. There are rumours that Newt Scamander could be a spy for Dumbledore
By not denying these rumours, we could be in for some even bigger surprises throughout the next films. Newt’s subtle way of writing about this in response to Rita Skeeter’s theory suggests something is definitely going on…
2. There are six new beasts
They’re called: The Thunderbird, Wampus, Horned Serpent, Hidebehind, Hodag and Snallygaster. Someone has even gone to the extent of figuring out the species and history of each of them.
3. Newt has a closer relationship with Dumbledore than we previously thought, too
We don’t know exactly how far back they go, but we know this secret must have something to do with Grindelwald. Newt says Albus Dumbledore was ‘something far more than a schoolteacher to me.’ Don’t leave us hanging too much!
4. There’s a reference to the original release of Fantastic Beasts (all the way back from 2001 FYI)
Which makes us think Newt is still alive when the Harry Potter books take place.
5. New illustrations in the book are done by Tomislav Tomic
As well as a new cover, which was designed by Olly Moss - the man who designed the seven most recent Harry Potter eBook covers.
6. We see a much-needed continuity error fixed
In the previous version of the book, the ‘About the Author’ section stated that Newt graduated from Hogwarts. This differs from the film, where we’re told Newt was expelled. In the updated version, it simply says Newt ‘left’ Hogwarts. Hmm…
7. The Official Magical Secrets Act - what is it?
Is it something specifically about Grindelwald or Dumbledore? Or is it just classified information?
8. It’s hard to say whether Rowling is forewarning us of things to come in the next four films, or whether we’re just hearing far more about Newt to signify his general importance in the story...
But his new biography suggests a combination of the two...
We’ve always been able to count on JK Rowling for her incredible plot lines, and we’ve heard the filming for the next part of Fantastic Beasts has already started - with a predicted release date for November next year.
For the meantime, we’re going to watch the Harry Potter films on repeat all over again…
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.