Newt Scamander is the star of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” but his titular creatures are pretty impressive supporting characters. As a magizoologist, Newt loves all kinds of magical animals. Some of his creatures are cute and cuddly while others are fearsome and ferocious. With so many introduced in the new movie, in theaters now, a guide to who’s who might be helpful.
Of course, it doesn’t seem like the American wizarding government cares which are adorable and which are dangerous. The Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) will be angry that Newt (Eddie Redmayne) brought any creatures into the U.S. illegally. In the 1920s, wizards are very worried about exposing themselves.
They live in secret, just like British wizards, but they have very strict rules about interacting with non-magical folk (who are called no-majs). You can’t marry or be friends with a no-maj if you are a witch or wizard. It’s too risky. If MACUSA bans simple friendships, they aren’t going to react well to Newt losing a few magical beasts. His accident threatens the safety of the American Wizarding World.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is written by J.K. Rowling and takes place in the Wizarding World that was first introduced in the “Harry Potter” series. Fans of the original series will definitely recognize a few things, but it seems like most of these creatures are ones that Rowling didn’t get to explore when Harry was fighting Voldemort. Luckily, she has already revealed a bit about them to Entertainment Weekly and through her 2001 index of beasts, which share a title with the Warner Bros. flick. Click through the slideshow above to see the beasts that Newt considers so fantastic.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is in theaters now.
Newt (Eddie Redmayne) comes to New York with a case of creatures in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Click the arrows to meet Newt’s magical friends! Warner Bros. PicturesBowtruckles are tiny creatures made of sticks and leaves. They protect trees and are known to try and gouge the eyes out of anyone trying to cut down their home. However, Bowtruckles can be distracted from protecting their home if you offer them some insects to eat. The Ministry of Magic classifies these creatures as harmless, and that’s why Newt is often able to carry Pickett the Bowtruckle in his pocket. Warner Bros. PicturesNifflers are black furry creatures that have a long nose and a pouch in their stomach. They use that little space to store anything that sparkles. Keep your jewelry away from this little guy — unless Newt is around to tickle the Niffler until he lets go of the treasure. Nifflers typically live 20 feet underground and shouldn’t be kept in the house. However, the Ministry of Magic believes that a competent wizard would be able to handle the Niffler. Warner Bros. PicturesMeet the Graphorn. Only skilled wizards should handle this aggressive, horned, purple beast. Mountain trolls occasionally mouth them, but generally, they can’t be tamed. Warner Bros. PicturesThe Nundu isn’t a cute pocket-sized beast. The Nundu is a huge leopard that can more silently. His breath causes a disease that can take out a whole neighborhood, and wizards need to team up to take him down. The Ministry of Magic warns that the Nundu is a “wizard killer” and cannot be domesticated. Warner Bros. PicturesThe Erumpent, a rhinoceros-like creature, is considered dangerous by the Ministry. The African animal has a hide that can protect itself from charms and curses. It only attacks when procoked, but its horn—which can tear through anything—has a venom that causes things to explode. Warner Bros. PicturesThis is another one that should be left to the professionals. The Demiguise is able to make itself invisible, but he is generally quite peaceful as long as no one is attacking. It is covered by long, silver hair.Warner Bros. PicturesA Thunderbird is a large bird that can cause thunderstorms as it flies and it can sense danger. Ilvermorny, an American wizarding school, uses the animal as a symbol for one of their four houses. Warner Bros. PicturesThe Swooping Evil is one of the few creatures not in J.K. Rowlings book “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” She revealed to Entertainment Weekly earlier this year that it looks part reptile and part butterfly. It resides in a green cocoon, and it is rather pretty. The creature’s venom can be used to erase painful memories. However, the Swooping Evil is also dangerous. It can suck out its victims’ brain. Warner Bros. PicturesThe Occamy is a winged creature that has a serpent’s body and can grow up to 15 feet long. Its shells are pure silver, but don’t try to steal them. The Occamy is highly aggressive and the Ministry advises wizards to let a specialist handle the beast. Warner Bros. Pictures
