Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter Inspire New Documentary and Exhibition

Hippogriffs. Phoenix. Centaurs, Thestrals, and Dragons — oh my. 

These and many other fantastic beasts and magical creatures have been fascinating fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and the Fantastic Beasts films for more than 20 years. Now, fans will get a closer look into the history of these creatures thanks to a new documentary and exhibition. 

This year in the UK, the wizarding teams of Warner Bros., the London Natural History Museum, BBC, Bloomsbury Publishing, and Pottermore Publishing will all be exploring the nature behind these magical creatures, which inspired the creative teams that brought them to life on page and screen in the wizarding world.  

The documentary and exhibition will both explore animal behaviors and abilities in the natural world throughout history, while also showing the connections that inspired the magical creatures of the wizarding world. Magical and muggle beasts will both have their stories told.

BBC One is behind the documentary, which will be presented by actor Stephen Fry. The story will dive into the fascinating history of some of the world’s most awe-inspiring beasts.

The London Natural History Museum will present the exhibition Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature this spring. An international tour will follow.

Both documentary and exhibition teams hope to inspire visitors and viewers to care for and protect the planet today and in the future.

Bloomsbury, the original publisher of the Harry Potter books, will be working with the Natural History Museum to bring this exhibition to the page. The Pottermore Publishing team will also bring its digital and audiobook expertise to the project.

Fans can check the wizardingworld.com for project updates and release dates.

Photos: Warner Brothers