What makes the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movies must-sees for Potterheads worldwide is the opportunity they have to shine a light on areas of the Harry Potter canon that were only alluded to in the original seven novels (and eight accompanying films). The first one, for example, focused on Newt Scamander’s (Eddie Redmayne) search for his missing creatures but also teased the larger threat of dark wizard Grindelwald (Johnny Depp).
One of the other important Wizarding World figures who will debut in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts sequel is Nicolas Flamel, who was confirmed to be a part of the film earlier this month. In fact, a new post from the movie’s official Facebook account teased the character last week, along with a shot of his secret journal. “The only known maker of the Philosopher’s Stone,” reads the caption. “What other mysteries may be locked away?”
As the caption reminds us, Nicolas Flamel’s the creator of the Philosopher’s Stone, the mystical item that produces an Elixir of Life that grants immortality. If you recall, Lord Voldemort previously sought it in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone. Going by this image, it seems that Flamel’s other inventions will come into play in Fantastic Beasts 2 as well, and no doubt Grindelwald will hope to use them for evil purposes.
Another, much more important, familiar Wizarding World figure who will appear in the sequel is, of course, a young Albus Dumbledore, with Jude Law stepping into the role previously played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. It’s worth noting that Flamel and Dumbledore are said to be friends in The Philosopher’s Stone, so it’s likely this relationship will be touched upon in the new film.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2 also features a bunch of other fresh faces, including Callum Turned as Theseus Scamander, David Sakurai as Krall and Zoe Kravitz as Newt’s former beau Leta Lestrange. It’s set to apparate into cinemas on November 16th, 2018.
