Amy and Eric - Why we are not watching Fantastic Beasts

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Eric

When I was growing up, I lived and breathed Harry Potter. I remember when I went to see the first movie, age 9, when I read the first book, all the way till the last movies and books 10 years later. The second part of the last movie even premiered on my birthday July 15th. And I will always have positive memories about it. But lately, I simply can’t stand it. The new prequel ‘Fantastic Beasts and where to find them’ suffers because it doesn’t have the magic trio, Hogwarts or even ‘he-who-must-not-be-named’ and I while I understand it’s a different story, the magic is just not there. Recently, I have also been disappointed with J K Rowling and her inclusion of minorities in the story as an after thought.

The magic world was never inclusive, but suddenly after the books had been published, more and more came out retroactively and made canon. I find hard to believe that this had always been planned and that the author is being honest about it.

Additionally, her view on Johnny Depp shocked and disgusted me. And so, I stand back from the new movies so I can continue to treasure my childhood memories.

Amy

I have always been a ‘Harry Potter’ fan. I grew up reading the books and watching the films alongside so many other people, younger and older. When it was announced that the magical world would continue in the film series ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ I was ecstatic.

However, I have decided that I will not be going to see any more of the films. The decision to cast actor Johnny Depp as one of the main characters in the films was one that made sense at the time. Once a Holywood giant, Depp is a fantastic actor and on that I cannot argue.

The allegations of assault against Depp that emerged between the film wrapping and being released made me hesitate, but I did go on the release date and see the first film in the series. Since then I have decided that, for me, Johnny Depp is not an actor I want to support and therefore I will not support the subsequent films in the series. At a time where the ‘Me Too’ action is ripping through Holywood, I believe that it is necessary to do what we can to stop giving people power when all they do is abuse it. Although not for everyone, for me Johnny Depp is one of those people

had always thought that the Harry Potter fandom was a family of sorts, a safe place. JK Rowling created that safe place, so I suppose it seems disturbingly fitting that she be the one to take it away. Her blatant disregard for fans feelings in Depps casting, as well as the numerous other issues in the films, is a clear show of where she stands and I truly doubt that the magical world of Hogwarts, witches and wizards will ever be the same.