Warner Announces New Harry Potter-Based Movie Series

The magic of Harry Potter will continue in the movie theaters. Warner Bros. has just announced the production of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, " a film that will kick off a new franchise based on the famous little wizard's universe.

The first feature is being scripted by JK Rowling herself, who must closely oversee this new film series. The protagonist of this new venture into the magical universe will be the character Newt Scamander, the author of the books Hogwarts students knew.

Newt's adventures will take place 70 years before the Harry Potter story, but the new series should not be understood as a sequel, nor as a prequel to the wizard's movies. Rowling said the new productions should be viewed as an extension of the magical universe she created.

"Fantastic Animals and Where to Live" should bring elements familiar to readers, with rules and customs similar to those set out in the Harry Potter story. There is no release forecast, no cast or director associated with the project yet.

This new movie based on the Harry Potter universe is just one of JK Rowling's new partnerships with Warner Bros., which will also distribute the miniseries adaptation of his latest literary novel, "Sudden Death."