Today J.K. Rowling has unveiled a new design to her official website. At the end of the introductory article, she answers some frequently asked Fantastic Beasts questions! The answers (including one on Chamber of Secrets) may be read below.

1.     Why couldn’t Newt just Apparate to the USA? Why did he go by boat?
Apparition becomes increasingly risky over long distances. As with most magic, much depends on the skill of the spell-caster: Apparition requires knowledge of the terrain to which one is moving, or the ability to visualise it clearly. Cross-continental Apparition would almost certainly result in severe injury or death.

Moreover, the beasts in Newt’s case had varying magical natures. Some could have Apparated with him, but others could not.

2.    Why did Newt go in through No-Maj customs?
He was transporting magical creatures at a time when this was illegal. No-Majs were far easier to fool than the wizarding checkpoint would have been.

3.    Why couldn’t Newt use ‘Accio’ to retrieve all his beasts?
‘Accio’ only works on inanimate objects. While people or creatures may be indirectly moved by ‘Accio-ing’ objects that they are wearing or holding, this carries all kinds of risks because of the likelihood of injury to the person or beast attached to an object travelling at close to the speed of light.

4.    Why isn’t Veritaserum used in interrogations?
It is, but skilled wizards can avoid its effects by using antidotes and charms. A gifted Occlumens could also resist Veritaserum.

5.    Why did ‘revelio’ undo the effects of Polyjuice Potion?
It didn’t. Grindelwald’s Transfiguration surpasses that of most wizards, so he used a spell, not a potion, to take on the appearance of Percival Graves.

6.    Why didn’t Harry Potter develop an Obscurus?
An Obscurus is developed under very specific conditions: trauma associated with the use of magic, internalized hatred of one’s own magic and a conscious attempt to suppress it.

The Dursleys were too frightened of magic ever to acknowledge its existence to Harry. While Vernon and Petunia had a confused hope that if they were nasty enough to Harry his strange abilities might somehow evaporate, they never taught him to be ashamed or afraid of magic. Even when he was scolded for ‘making things happen’, he didn’t make any attempt to suppress his true nature, nor did he ever imagine that he had the power to do so.

And finally, an oldie but a perennial favourite…
7.    Why wasn’t the Horcrux inside Harry destroyed when he was bitten by the Basilisk in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets?

A Horcrux can only be destroyed if its container is damaged beyond repair. Harry was healed by Fawkes. Had he died, the Horcrux would indeed have been destroyed.

PS I’m being asked all kinds of excellent questions about Fantastic Beasts that I can’t answer right now, because the answers would give away too much about future plots. If your burning question isn’t here, you are probably safe to assume that it will be answered in the sequels!

Want to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a new way this year? Look no further than Warner Bros. Studio Tour London‘s special Valetine’s Dinner. Choose February 11th or 12th and enjoy a romantic dinner for two in The Great Hall. Read on for full details.

Couples are invited to spend Valentine’s weekend somewhere truly magical next February as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London hosts a romantic banquet in the iconic Great Hall. On Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February, guests attending the Studio Tour’s ‘Valentine’s Dinner in the Great Hall’ will be greeted on arrival with welcome drinks and canapés, including a special ‘Love Potion’ cocktail, before taking their seats at individual tables for two on the authentic Great Hall set.

The Great Hall has served as the location for many memorable moments from the film series, including the Yule Ball dance scenes from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Unusually for the film industry, the set has stood the test of time and is now dressed with the iconic long tables as well as a selection of costumes and props used during production such as the House Point Counter and Dumbledore’s lectern.

Sitting at tables for two, guests will enjoy a candle-lit three-course dinner including a starter, main course and assiette of desserts to share*. During the meal, couples will receive their first memento of the evening as a complimentary photo is taken at their table.

After dinner, guests will be given exclusive after-hours access to the Studio Tour with the chance to see sets such as the Gryffindor common room, Dumbledore’s office, the Weasley kitchen at The Burrow and the Malfoy Manor dining table before enjoying a drink on Platform 9 3/4. Featuring the original Hogwarts Express locomotive, the platform also includes the costumes of film couples Harry and Ginny and Ron and Hermione from the series’ concluding scene set 19 years after the battle of Hogwarts.

Following a tankard of Butterbeer in the backlot café, couples will be able to wander up the wizarding shopping street of Diagon Alley before arriving at the breathtaking Hogwarts castle model. After-dinner tea, coffee and petit fours will be served overlooking the majestic model.

Earlier this week Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood held a press preview for their newest addition: From J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Exhibit. We posted the official video footage and photos from the event yesterday, but today we have our own footage as well as a few more photographs (view in our gallery.)

The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Exhibit is officially open for business today, December 9th. In case you needed any more reason to visit the exhibit, our correspondent Helena attended the event and wrote up a little review.

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At the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood press preview of the Fantastic Beasts exhibit they revealed props and costumes from the set. The adventure began by being driven down to the lot where a marquee displayed the exhibit title. The room was filled with old fashioned trinkets, luggage, and globes. Inside appetizers were served by caterers dressed in the classic 1920’s attire. In addition, bread carts were scattered around and looked so perfect that it was hard to tell if they were props or edible food. The carts themselves looked straight out of Jacob Kowalski’s bakery! The drinks that were served were rightfully called Polyjuice Potion and were complete with a few cubes of dry ice to add a magical effect.

After a short delay, Dan Fogler (our favorite no-maj Jacob Kowalski) came out and revealed that he loved the exhibit. Despite being a no-maj he was able to get sorted. He revealed that he was a Gryffindor, which came as a surprise since he feels more like a Hufflepuff. Shortly after, the wonderful Bonnie Wright who played Ginny Weasley came out. Her original wand was flown in from London and the two were reunited once more. With a flick of her wand she opened the exhibit.

The exhibit itself was different from what I was expecting. It is one long room that is divided between Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. Upon entering the exhibit you are immediately greeted by the Dursley’s fireplace and letters for Harry. Directly to the left was the Fantastic Beasts section. Newt’s costume is the first thing you see when you walk in to the area. Fantastic Beasts’ concept art covers the wall behind him. The detailing in these photos was phenomenal and breathtaking. In the corner lies Kowalski’s Bakery Pastries and all of his adventure inspired creations. In another corner is Jacob’s costume complete with a set of his broken apartment. On the bed lies Newt’s suitcase, closed to ensure no other beasts come out while on the adjacent nightstand is Jacob’s case, open to reveal all his wonderful pastries. Lastly, in the other corner, is Newt’s collection. In a somewhat disorganized fashion a slew of items Newt would have in his suitcase or pockets were displayed. These items included his wand, journal, and a few Occamy eggs.

Continuing on we see Tina’s belongings such as her wand, the tea pot that was used to capture the Occamy, some magazines, and books. If you turn around you are greeted by MACUSA and Grave’s costume. His wand, badge, a flyer for “Witches Live Among Us”, and the hallows symbol Graves gives to Credence are displayed in a shadow box. A giant Magical Congress of the United States seal lays on the floor. Throughout all of this, concept art is displayed along the walls.

This leads into the Harry Potter section. Your eye is immediately drawn to the giant display of the Great Hall. All of the Hogwarts Professor’s costumes are displayed on a platform and a single stool with the Sorting Hat is also displayed. The most interesting part of this room is Hagrid. Never before has the exhibit included Hagrid’s costume and it was wonderful to see his lovely figure towering over everyone. Slightly from the center of the room is Quidditch gear and spirit gear to delight fans of all houses. In addition Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s costumes are displayed right next the the professors.

Continuing on through the exhibit is one of Aragog’s children. Not being a fan of spiders myself, it produced a scream out of me. The detailing in it was amazing and everyone who passed by it took a step back in fear it would lunge out at anyone who got too close. Past this concept figures of Fluffy, the basilisk, Buckbeak, and Professor Lupin in werewolf form were dispalyed. Further down there was more concept art from the Harry Potter films.

All in all the Fantastic Beasts Exhibit was fantastic and is a must see. The detailing in all of the costumes is amazing. The best part about this exhibit is that everything is so open. Warner Bros. did an amazing job in making you feel like you were on set. I would highly suggest stopping by and saying hi to all of your favorite characters. Plus, while you’re there, you might as well stop to get sorted by the legendary Sorting Hat.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is open Monday through Sunday, 9:00AM to 3:00PM, with studio tours departing every 30 minutes and extended hours offered during the summer season. Reservations are recommended and all children eight years or older are welcomed. Tickets are $62 per person and can be purchased online at www.wbstudiotour.com or by calling 818-977-TOUR (8687).

Photos from the afternoon can be found in our gallery and watch a video including interviews with Dan and Bonnie as well as footage of the exhibit below. Our review will be coming in the next few days.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood revealed its latest tour addition, From J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts Exhibit, with special guests Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) and Bonnie Wright (Harry Potter film series). Opening to the public on December 9, 2016, the reimagined exhibit offers an up-close look at authentic props and costumes from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the beloved Harry Potter films. Tour guests will now be able to explore how J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World has been brought to life on the silver screen over the past 15 years.

Fogler, who played the lovable No-Maj and aspiring baker, Jacob Kowalski, in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, when asked about seeing the exhibit for the first time said, “it’s an absolute honor to be a part of this all.”

When asked about what fans can look forward to in the new exhibit, Bonnie Wright, who portrayed Ginny Weasley in all eight Harry Potter films, said, “For fans these costumes and props were such a big part of the experience when watching Harry Potter.  I think that’s what is exciting, to see those details.”

The expansion will take guests on a journey from concept art to final designs used on set. Tour guests will be able to see the detailed costumes of Lord Voldemort, from a young Tom Riddle to his rise as the Dark Lord. Guests will also have the opportunity to be sorted by the magical Sorting Hat into one of the four Hogwarts houses. This interactive experience will take place in front of a life like image of the Great Hall which will include costumes of iconic Hogwarts professors. As a finale to the exhibit, guests will be able to explore the newest film from the Wizarding World, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Highlights of the Fantastic Beasts experience include costumes worn by Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), Katherine Waterston (Tina Goldstein), Alison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein), Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) and Colin Farrell (Percival Graves), as well as Newt’s case of creatures.

“We are excited to let the world peer behind the lens to see how filmmakers develop the entertainment we love,” said Danny Kahn, Executive Director, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. “This experience will transport guests from Harry Potter’s Hogwarts adventures back to 1926 New York, where Newt Scamander’s misplaced magical case has found its home.”

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Today, Universal Orlando and Warner Bros. Consumer Products revealed details about the fourth annual A Celebration of Harry Potter – a special three-day event full of exciting experiences taking place January 27 to 29, 2017.

For the first time ever –Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick and Griphook) will attend the magical event and participate in festivities throughout the weekend, alongside fellow Harry Potter film star Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom). More talent will be announced on a later date.

Creative talent also set to appear at the event includes Nick Dudman, make-up and creature effects designer for the Harry Potter films; Pierre Bohanna, head prop-maker on all of the Harry Potter films; Paul Harris, the world’s only Wand Combat choreographer; Mary GrandPre, famed illustrator for the Harry Potter books; and designers Eduardo Lima and Miraphora Mina of MinaLima, who established the visual graphic style of the Harry Potter films and of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

This year’s A Celebration of Harry Potter will give guests the opportunity to celebrate J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World with a variety of exclusive experiences and attend the largest Harry Potter Expo in event history, featuring more partners and immersive exhibits than ever before. Expo participants will include: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Harry Potter: The Exhibition, Pottermore and Audible, MinaLima, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Scholastic, Google Daydream and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

HARRY POTTER EXPO (Universal Studios Florida theme park) The Harry Potter Expo will be open to guests throughout the weekend and include the following booths and exhibits that will give fans a deeper insight into the global phenomenon that is J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
Guests will be able to see authentic props and the incredible behind-the-scenes talent that went into creating the Harry Potter film series.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition – Sorting Hat Experience
Are you a Gryffindor or a Slytherin? A Hufflepuff or perhaps a Ravenclaw? Guests will be able to be sorted into their Hogwarts house at this experience.

Inside the expo, guests will also be treated to insider knowledge about the exhibitions tour
before trying their hand at an exciting game of Quaffle Toss. Visitors will also be able to join their friends for a fun Quidditch-inspired photo opp.

MinaLima
Guests will be able meet graphic designers Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima at the MinaLima expo booth as well as view various props and prints from the Harry Potter films and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

Pottermore and Audible
All weekend, Pottermore and Audible will be inviting visitors to participate in Audible Recall – the ultimate audio challenge that decides who knows the wizarding world inside-out and who has a bad case of the wrackspurts. Pottermore will also bring you the latest news and announcements directly from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.

Scholastic
Guests will be able to test their knowledge of the Harry Potter books at the Trivia Challenge for a chance to win a Harry Potter prize pack. Fans will also be treated to a meet & greet with Mary GrandPre, famed illustrator for the Harry Potter books.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Guests can get a glimpse into the world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and see images from the award-winning West End production.

Google Daydream VR Experience – Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
With Daydream View, Google’s newly launched virtual reality headset, guests can experience the magic of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in VR. Wave a wand (via a Daydream controller) to solve puzzles and meet a few of the beasts in Newt’s case.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Guests will be able to experience the Wizarding World in LEGO Dimensions and explore the worlds of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and be the first to play as Hermione Granger. Fans will also have opportunities to participate in contests and win special prize packs.

A CELEBRATION OF HARRY POTTER PANELS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
(Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida theme parks)

Demonstrations and Q&A sessions will feature Harry Potter film and creative talent, with special panels and demonstrations for kids as well. Admission into panels and demonstrations will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Specific times and locations will be released at a later date.

Behind-the-Scenes: Harry Potter Film Talent Discussion
Enjoy a fascinating and interactive Q&A session featuring some of your favorite actors from the Harry Potter films including Warwick Davis, Mathew Lewis and more. Discover what it was like to work on the most successful film franchise in history.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – Creating Creatures for the Harry Potter Films with Nick Dudman and Warwick Davis
Join award-winning special make-up effects artist Nick Dudman and discover how creature effects were brought to life in the Harry Potter film series. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London presents this exclusive panel with Dudman and Warwick Davis, who portrayed Professor Flitwick and Griphook on-screen. Learn about the incredible skill that went into producing iconic creatures such as Aragog, Buckbeak and the Gringotts Goblins, plus see some authentic models from the Harry Potter film series.

Learn Wand Combat Skills with Paul Harris
This interactive panel will offer you the chance to pick up your wand and take part in a live dueling masterclass, hosted by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and featuring the world’s only Wand Combat Chorographer, Paul Harris.
*Kids panel will also be offered for guests ages 12 and under

Harry Potter: The Exhibition – “Around the World”
Join us in celebrating the touring attraction that’s visited 15 cities in 10 countries and hosted over 4 million guests. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is in a unique position to reflect on the worldwide appeal of the boy wizard. Get an inside look at the exhibition creation and the excitement it continues to deliver to fans around the world. Panel will include exhibition creator and film actors.

MinaLima
Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, from the graphic design studio MinaLima, will share
insights into their role as graphic prop designers, and how their paths crossed at the WB film studios in London while working for 10 years on the Harry Potter movies, and more recently on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. They will show some of the iconic props they created from both franchises, such as The Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet, The New York Ghost, MACUSA Wand Permit, and more. Additionally, they will discuss their
involvement in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

This year’s A Celebration of Harry Potter will also include Harry Potter film trivia and, for the first time, a Fan Art Walk where guests can draw Wizarding World-inspired chalk art.

Guests will have access to Universal Orlando’s attractions throughout the weekend, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.

Access to A Celebration of Harry Potter is included with regular theme park admission or with an annual or seasonal pass. Certain activities are first-come, first-served. Exclusive event vacation packages are also available for purchase and include special benefits and reserved sections for the panels and demonstrations.

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Warner Bros. Studio Tour has a variety of features appearing in 2017, including Directing Dobby, Dining in the Great Hall for Valentine’s Day, Wizarding Wardrobes, Dark Arts, Hogwarts in the Snow. Alongside all the fantastic features appearing in the tour they will also be announcing some very exciting news around the Easter months. Details on the events are as follows:

Directing Dobby
4th February- 31st March
Visitors are invited to discover the behind-the-scenes secrets of everybody’s favourite house-elf as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London unveils a special feature dedicated to Dobby. Filmmakers went through multiple processes and techniques to create Dobby from a tennis ball on a stick to a full sized, intricately detailed, physical model, both of which will be on display for the special feature. Visitors will also be able to make Dobby copy their movements in a new interactive experience that demonstrates the motion capture technology used to bring CGI characters to life on screen.

Valentine’s Dinner in the Great Hall
11th & 12th February
Couples are invited to spend Valentine’s weekend somewhere truly magical next February as Warner Bros. Studio Tour London hosts a romantic banquet in the iconic Great Hall on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February. Full press release below.

Wizarding Wardrobes
21st July- 4th September
Thousands of costumes were created during the ten years of filming, from Hogwarts school robes and Hermione’s beautiful Yule Ball gown to ghost costumes that could appear transparent via visual effects. During this special feature, visitors will discover the incredible craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating the visual world of Harry Potter, as the Studio Tour showcases some of the best never-before-seen costumes from the magical film series. Visitors will be able to see the whole process from initial designs to the finished costume, as well as learning how new clothes were made to look centuries old or battle-torn through the art of costume distressing.

Dark Arts
27th October – 6th November
For a limited time only, visitors will get the chance to delve deeper than ever before into the sinister world of Dark Arts. Visitors can try out their wand combat techniques against a Death Eater or walk down a darker, spookier Diagon Alley. As part of the feature, the lights in the wizarding shopping street will be dimmed, the music will become more foreboding and the set will be patrolled by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s followers.

Hogwarts in the Snow
18th November- 4th February 2018
2017 will conclude with the return of the Studio Tour’s popular festive feature, Hogwarts in the Snow, running from 18th November – 4th February 2018. The festive makeover will see Christmas trees line the Great Hall, the Gryffindor common room dressed for the season and a blanket of filmmaking snow covering the majestic Hogwarts castle model. Visitors will even be able to touch samples of the different types of ‘snow’ used during production, each selected for its ability to float like falling snow, crunch under foot or glisten in the light like ice.