A Full Breakdown of the First Fantastic Beasts Trailer
By Ani Bundel
We go through the brand new Fantastic Beasts trailer shot by shot and speculate upon what we are seeing.
The first full length Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them trailer dropped last night at the end of the MTV Movie Awards. It was the last of the three movies to get a world premiere, and the only one to get a full on trailer–both Civil War and Suicide Squad were clip-trailer hybrids.
Though Rowling and company have been going to great lengths to explain the magical world we will be entering into, and how different the atmosphere of the American Wizarding World is in 1926 compared to the UK one in the 1990s that we are used to, when it comes to details of the plot itself, the production has mostly been mum. What we know: Newt Scamander goes to America in 1926 and accidentally swaps cases with a no-maj, loosing his collection of fantastic beasts upon New York City during a time when anti magical feelings are being stirred up by politicians seeking power. He is aided in his journey by two witch sisters, Tina and Goldie, one of whom will go on to become his wife and return to the UK with him at some point in the future.
But other than Newt Scamander being a Hufflepuff and writing a famous book that will be published a year after the events of this movie, we know little about him as a person. (Other than he dresses not unlike a certain time traveling Doctor.) We don’t know which creatures he has in the case that will be released into New York City. And we don’t know how he will react to being hunted down by panicked American wizarding officials desperate to keep their population safe.
So let us deep dive into the case ourselves and go through the brand new trailer frame by frame and see what we can learn. Yes, no-maj buddy, that means you. Follow me!
Next: They're Coming To America
We open on Newt Scamander’s arrival by boat, just another immigrant coming to New York City.
The 1920s New York skyline, the stereotypical shot of those arriving on Ellis Island at the time.
There’s just one thing that’s different about Newt….and his case. Those wouldn’t be doxy claws would they? Or maybe a grindylow?
Next: Potion Approaching
Cut to: Newt having met up with Jacob Kowalski–the no maj who we’ll see down the trailer line that he is rooming with. Jacob is a man with dreams of becoming a baker and opening a restaurant–certainly this looks like a kitchen, with the big slab of meat on the counter.
But upon closer look, it’s less of a kitchen and more or a potions lab.
And Newt is definitely working on a potion of some sort–or perhaps dinner for one of his creatures.
Next: New York, New York, it's a Wonderful Town
New York traffic in 1926. If only it were possible to drive that fast 90 years later.
A shot of Newt being taken somewhere by Porpentina–by her dress, we can guess it’s a wizarding speakeasy maybe? (Speaking of, OMG I love her dress.)
Next: Momma Say Momma Saw a MACUSA
Our first clear look at the MACUSA, located in Woolworths.
One of the few plot details we have is that Newt’s reason to be in NYC is to “meet with an important official” of the MACUSA.
Will he even get to his meeting? Or does the case going missing prevent it from happening?
Next: What makes Albus Dumbledore So Fond of You Mr. Scamander?
As Newt arrives in America, we hear a voice (Graves I believe) listing off Newt’s history–and a very interesting one at that. Kicked out of Hogwarts?! For endangering human life with a beast?
That’s an extremely interesting statement, as one could argue that newt is doing the same here in America–endangering American lives by bringing beasts into their country.
So was Newt actually expelled? Or did Dumbledore get his expulsion over turned? And why did Dumbledore do that? (For the record, Dumbledore is not in this movie, but Michael Gambon is apparently lobbying to portray him in the sequel if he does appear.)
After all, if Newt prizes the lives of his beasts over those of people, then it makes sense that he’s ignoring the danger seen here, as a creature manages to flip the lock on his case.
And when the beasts do get lose–will Newt prioritize their lives over everyone else’s?
Next: Muggle-worthy
Americans may be stuck with no-maj, but Newt calls them Muggles, and so does his magical suitcase.
When Newt says there’s nothing edible in the case, I suppose one could argue he’s not technically lying.
On the subject of livestock though….
But since his case is set to “Muggle-worthy” all we see inside is maps, binoculars, an alarm clock, his pjs and his Hufflepuff scarf.
How utterly uninteresting! The customs official is unimpressed.
Welcome to America, Mr. Scamander.
Next: The Aurors gather
This band of aurors we see gather in the MACUSA under the watchful portrait of Seraphina are the same gang we’ll see chasing Newt later on.
Which is perhaps why Tina is marching Newt through Woolworths in a hurry.
The New York Ghost: America’s answer to The Daily Prophet.
Next: All in all it was all just bricks in the wall
It is still not clear how Jacob gets mixed up in all this, other than a pair of no maj eyes to wonder at the magical world as the audience surrogate.
Tina is in the same fabulous dress as before, (and Queenie is also in a gorgeous number) so this is the wizarding speakeasy we saw them inside of earlier. Except most speakeasys don’t have bricks shift in the wall.
Next: In New York You Can be a New Man
In New York you can be a new man….Or perhaps a new wizard?
These feel like mostly shots to show how out of his depths Newt is in this city–even if he doesn’t realize it.
Next: Shaw is the kindest, warmest, bravest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life
Our first shot of the New Salem Philanthropic Society (the NSPS, or “The Second-Salemers.”)
Apparently they’re running a candidate named Shaw for office. Not sure which office–but 1926 was not a presidential election year, and we can be pretty sure that these guys aren’t running for a seat on the MACUSA. So probably senate or governor.
Next: Soup's on
Jacob is not used to seeing magic set the dinner table.
Molly Weasley would be impressed with their house keeping skills though.
Next: A Whole Lot of Questions
Why are the lights exploding two by two at the Shaw rally?
What is this little girl doing?
What is Graves thinking?
What is Newt releasing?
Oh, I do believe that’s a phoenix! (And it turns out I am wrong–it’s called a “Swooping Evil.”)
But who is attacking the Shaw dinner?
Are these people actually flying?
Next: On The Run
Newt looking like he’s about to flee
Tina, having run so far, she’s lost her hat.
An Auror arriving at their underground headquarters.
Graves attacking. Is he attacking Newt and Tina, or a beast?
Next: Is that a Niffler?
Let’s hope Graves isn’t attacking this little guy.
I do believe that creature with Queenie’s purse may just be a niffler.
Perhaps he should give her her purse back though. It looks like she needs it.
Next: Station to Station
The muggle cops are outside, saying come out with your hands up.
Newt and Tina have bigger problems though.
There are aurors on their tail, and their wands are more of a concern than the cop’s guns.
There’s only one way to escape.
Apparate!
Next: Graves Concern
“No human can do what this thing’s capable of.” What creature could he mean? Is it one with a XXXXX classification? Newt surely wouldn’t travel with a manticore or a dragon, would he?
But then again, he was expelled….
Seraphina, showing she rules in both no maj and wizard wear.
Next: Down the rabbit hole
The trailer button: Newt in bed.
He’s rooming with Jacob (really!), who is in the other bed. Jacob seems surprised Newt is awake.
Though not as surprised to see him get up, open the case, and step inside.
Or step down into it and disappear.
Hey you, no maj! Follow me!
Who me?
Yes you.
Let’s all follow Newt, and see how far down this rabbit hole goes.
Next: Questions Potter Cast Still Want Answered
We’ll find out how far the rabbit hole goes this November 18th, when Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them arrives in theaters.