We're kicking off another epic week of movies with the delightful and dazzling full-length trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Eddie Redmayne plays magizoologist Newt Scamander in the all-star J.K. Rowling adaptation – we've cast a spell and brought you the highlights of the trailer...
1. Newt's story
In appropriately hushed narration from wizard Percival Graves (Colin Farrell), we discover everything we need to know about Newt's background, including his expulsion from Hogwarts for "endangering life with a beast." However, as Percival outlines he also had support from one Albus Dumbledore...
Despite his boyish, friendly exterior, our Newt therefore appears to be a more intriguing and complex customer than we first imagined, and the references to Rowling's Harry Potter universe are pure geek fantasy. (Don't forget: the eponymous textbook appears within the context of the Potter movies.)
2. New York, New York!
We're not in Hogwarts, anymore. As Percival's narration unravels, we're introduced to the 1920s Manhattan setting of the story, a dazzling feast of cocktail dresses, speak-easys and vintage cars. Frankly, it's a world we can't wait to step into.
3. Anything to declare?
As Newt arrives in Manhattan following his Hogwarts expulsion, he must get his magical and mysterious briefcase through customs. (And you thought it was difficult getting your bags through the airport nowadays.) Luckily, he has a special switch on the case that conceals its contents from 'Muggles' (non-magical people, or 'No-Maj' in US lingo).
4. Wizard persecution
Magical folk are under pressure in 1920s New York as this shot of a newspaper indicates. With fear over wizards, witches and everything in-between at fever pitch, Newt's arrival in New York couldn't come at a more dramatic time.
5. The US Ministry of Magic
This shot of Aurors running within the confines of MACUSA is brief but it establishes a whole new magical environment for the movie. And in case you're wondering (book fans will already know this), the glowering portrait is of President Seraphina Picquery (Carmen Ejogo).
6. Vote for Shaw!
As the familiar strains of John Williams' Hedwig's Theme build in the background, we get a glimpse of a political rally for a fellow named Shaw. We're still in the process of piecing everything together at the moment but it nevertheless gives us a vivid impression of a New York on the cusp of change.
7. Percival's warning
"No human could do what this thing is capable of," Graves warns. What's he talking about? Whatever it is, it doesn't sound good – but fingers crossed it'll make for grand entertainment when seen in the movie.
8. Going down?
The most wondrous and brilliant special effect in the trailer comes at the end where Newt quite literally steps into his suitcase, beckoning No-Maj Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) to join him. We want to join you too, Newt!
Now it's time to set eyes on the trailer for yourselves. Don't forget to tweet your responses @Cineworld.
