Ever since Warner Bros. announced that JK Rowling had agreed to script a film set in the world of Harry Potter – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – there’s been speculation about who would direct the first in this planned franchise.
Now it seems it’s be a familiar face, as Variety reports that David Yates is in talks to helm the movie. He is of course the man who helmed the last four Potter movies. Since Deathly Hallows was released, he’s circled many movies, and while his take on Tarzan is now in production, he’s had a surprising amount of difficulty getting projects off the ground, so perhaps a return to the Potter world isn’t too surprising.
The film will follow the adventures of the Newt Scamander, 70 years before the Harry Potter first arrives at Hogwarts, as he discovers the terrible beasties that feature in the textbook that Harry has to use during his time at school. The spin-off will introduce a new set of characters and creatures, although set in a Wizarding universe that will be familiar to HP fans.
Warner Bros. has set a November 18th, 2016 release date.