HP Fans Should Be Excited For 'Fantastic Beasts'

Remember the days when a new Harry Potter film would come out every year or so? You’d be at the theater, popcorn in hand, when the Warner Bros. logo would fill the screen. The first few notes of "Hedwig’s Theme" would blast through the speakers, making your heart beat fast and your eyes widen in anticipation of the magic you were about to see.

When Deathly Hallows: Part 2 finally came out, you couldn’t wait to see it. You dressed up as your favorite character, dragged all your friends to the midnight premiere, and cried through the whole thing.

And then the era was over. You still felt that small thrill when you saw the Warner Bros. logo fill a movie screen, but now, it was accompanied by the sinking realization that there were no more Harry Potter films on their way. You could always reread the books a thousand times and re-watch the movies again and again, but the days of seeing new films set in the world of Hogwarts were over.

That is, until now.

There’s another movie set in the Harry Potter universe that's coming out, and so far, everything announced about the movie makes it clear that another epic story is about to unfold. So here are the reasons why you should be completely hyped for Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them .

The Book Was Super-Cool

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them began as a 2001 book that J.K. Rowling wrote to benefit the charity Comic Relief. It's written in the style of a textbook, and includes tons of entries about various magical creatures (complete with notes by Harry and Ron written in the margins). If the film includes even a few of the creatures listed in the book, it'll be crazy awesome.

It's Going To Be An All New J.K. Rowling Story

Since the book is a "textbook," not a narrative, the film will feature an all-new storyline. Rowling has stated that it's not a direct prequel or sequel to the Harry Potter series, either, which means fans will get to experience a completely original story. Oh, and did I mention that Rowling herself wrote the screenplay?

It's Set In The Same Universe As Harry Potter... In The 1920s

The story of Fantastic Beasts follows Newt Scamander, the author of aforementioned bestiary, as he tracks down creatures and writes his textbook. In New York City. During the Jazz Age. 1920s + Harry Potter universe? Yes, please, thank you.

We'll Get To Learn About An American Wizarding School

According to Rowling, some of the characters in Fantastic Beasts studied at an American Wizarding school. Although the film doesn't take place at this school, we'll presumably learn more about it through these characters... Rowling has already revealed on Twitter that the name of the school is of immigrant origin, and that Native American magic was important in the school's founding.

Um, can we also have an entire series with this setting?

The Film Has Star-Studded Cast

Actors Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Dan Fogler, and Ezra Miller, along with actresses Katherine Waterston, Jenn Murray, and singer/songwriter Alison Sudol (aka A Fine Frenzy), have all joined the cast of Fantastic Beasts. Plus, Warner Bros held an open casting call for the part of Modesty. After over 10,000 girls turned up to the audition, the part went to Faith Wood-Blagrove, and this will mark her film debut. So not only will Fantastic Beasts have a star-studded cast, it may also be a big break for other lesser known actors.

Hufflepuffs Take The Starring Role

Though there are some great Hufflepuffs in the Harry Potter series, there's definitely a focus on Gryffindor. After all, the boy who lived and his two best friends are all in Gryffindor, not to mention the importance of Godric Gryffindor and his legendary sword. However, Newt Scamander is a Hufflepuff, so we'll get a chance to see the badgers in action.

It's Going To Be A Trilogy

The first movie is set to air in November 2016, and will be directed by Harry Potter director David Yates. Also, Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara said that the story will be "at least a trilogy," which indicates that there may be even more films to follow. Basically, this means that we'll finally see the Warner Bros. logo on the big screen and know that another Harry Potter universe film is about to enchant us all once again.

Images: Giphy (6)