Hardcore Harry Potter fans, prepare to geek out a bit. Production is now underway on the second film in the Fantastic Beasts series, and we’ve just learned that Nicolas Flamel, the creator of the Sorcerer’s (or Philosopher’s) Stone, will play a role in the sequel.
Actor Brontis Jodorowsky will play the legendary alchemist. He was born in the 14th century, according to J.K. Rowling, but lived for hundreds of years, having discovered the secret to eternal life. In the time period of Fantastic Beasts 2, he’s friends with Albus Dumbledore, who’ll be played by Jude Law in the film.
If the name Nicolas Flamel sounds familiar, that’s likely because it’s mentioned in the first book (and movie) as Hermione, Harry, and Ron try and discover the mysteries of the stone hidden in the castle.
Flamel is the most noteworthy new character in this recent announcement about the film, but there are a ton more. Pottermore ran down the list as follows: “Wolf Roth as a character called Spielman; Call the Midwife star Victoria Yeates as Bunty; Derek Riddell as Torquil Travers; Poppy Corby-Tuech as Rosier; and Cornell S. John as Arnold Guzman.” The site then adds that “The names ‘Travers’ and ‘Rosier’ stand out in particular; these last names turn up in the Harry Potter series and belong to two Death Eaters who served Lord Voldemort.” Jessica Williams, best known for work on The Daily Show, is also joining the film in a mystery role.
All of this is in addition to an already robust ensemble that includes all of the major characters from the first film plus Law, as well as Newt Scamader’s brother Theseus, played by Callum Turner, and Leta Lestrange, Newt’s love interest, played briefly in the first film by Zoë Kravitz. David Yates returns to direct and Rowling again wrote the script. The untitled Fantastic Beasts sequel will be released November 16, 2018.
Finally, in case you missed it, this teaser image was released earlier this week: