Are the Fantastic Beasts Movies Canon When They Aren't Based on Books?

When discussing the Fantastic Beasts movies, a common question arises: are these films part of the canon, especially given that they are not directly based on the original Harry Potter books? This article explores the complex relationship between the books and the films, and how the decisions made by J.K. Rowling, the primary author of the Harry Potter series, impact the canon.

Canon and the Original Story

While Fantastic Beasts shares the general storylines and characters with the Harry Potter series, there are significant differences, particularly in terms of the timeline and character development. For example, in the books, Grindelwald is described as a "laughing boy" when he steals the Elder Wand. However, in the films, he is portrayed in his 40s, a stark contrast to his younger depiction in the books. This inconsistency raises the question of whether the Fantastic Beasts movies are part of the canon in the same way as the books.

Universes and Inter-Connectivity

It's important to understand that the Harry Potter books and the Fantastic Beasts movies occupy different universes, much like how Camelot and Le Morte d'Arthur are separate story worlds, even though they share similar themes and characters. Despite these differences, the Fantastic Beasts movies, like the Harry Potter films, are part of Warner Bros.' Wizarding World media franchise, a sprawling collection of stories and characters that expand the scope of the original series.

J.K. Rowling's Involvement

J.K. Rowling's involvement in the writing of the Fantastic Beasts screenplays is key to understanding its place in the canon. She penned or co-wrote the scripts for the three Fantastic Beasts movies. This direct involvement means that the movies are, by extension, part of her written works canon. A consistent thread throughout her works is the use of unique magical creatures, such as Obscurials and Bowtruckles, which are more prominently featured in the Fantastic Beasts films and may also exist in the book universe. Additionally, the enchanted creature Nagini, in the films portrayed as a reptile, retains her status as a woman under enchantment in the book universe, according to the established narratives.

Future Continuity

Whether J.K. Rowling will incorporate the plots of the Fantastic Beasts movies into the continuous storylines of the Harry Potter universe remains uncertain. Her future works may or may not include these timelines and characters, and it's a decision that could be influenced by the success and reception of both the books and the films.

The Fantastic Beasts movies are part of the Warner Bros. Wizarding World canon, alongside the Harry Potter films and the broader Harry Potter media franchise. While they diverge from the original books in certain aspects, their creation under the guidance of J.K. Rowling solidifies their place within the larger narrative. In the dynamic world of magical fiction, the delineation of canon can be quite fluid, and the ongoing collaboration between the author and the filmmakers plays a crucial role in shaping the ultimate storyline.

Conclusion

The relationship between the Fantastic Beasts movies and the Harry Potter series is both intricate and fascinating. While they occupy different universes within the broader Wizarding World, their direct involvement by J.K. Rowling and their inclusion in her canon of works suggest a deep connection. The future of this connection is yet to be fully realized, as J.K. Rowling continues to shape the Harry Potter universe with her evolving narrative.