<P> Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a 2016 fantasy film directed by David Yates . A joint British and American production, it is a spin - off and prequel to the Harry Potter film series, and it was produced and written by J.K. Rowling in her screenwriting debut, and inspired by her 2001 book of the same name . The film stars Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, with Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Carmen Ejogo and Colin Farrell in supporting roles . It is the first instalment in the Fantastic Beasts film series, and ninth overall in the Wizarding World franchise, that began with the Harry Potter films . </P> <P> Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them premiered in New York City on 10 November 2016 and was released worldwide on 18 November 2016 in 3D, IMAX 4K Laser and other large format cinemas . It received positive reviews from critics and audiences; and it grossed $814 million worldwide, making it the eighth - highest - grossing film of 2016 . </P> <P> The film was nominated for five BAFTAs, including Best British Film, winning Best Production Design, as well as two Academy Awards, winning Best Costume Design, becoming the first Wizarding World film to win an Academy Award . A sequel, titled Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, is scheduled to be released on 16 November 2018 . </P> <P> In 1926, British wizard and "magizoologist" Newt Scamander arrives by ship to New York en route to Arizona . He encounters Mary Lou Barebone, a non-magical woman ("No - Maj" or "Muggle") who heads the New Salem Philanthropic Society . As Newt listens to her speech about how witches and wizards are real and dangerous, a Niffler escapes from Newt's magically expanded suitcase, which houses various magical creatures . As Newt attempts to capture the Niffler, he meets No - Maj cannery worker and aspiring baker Jacob Kowalski, and they unwittingly swap suitcases . Demoted Auror (hunter of dark wizards) Tina Goldstein arrests Newt for the chaos caused by the Niffler and takes him to the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) headquarters, hoping to regain her former position . However, as Jacob's suitcase contains only baked goods, Newt is released . At Jacob's tenement apartment, several creatures escape from Newt's suitcase . </P>

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