Mugglecast: The Harry Potter Podcast

Slug Club member Cullen joins the show We discuss the latest Fantastic Beasts filming news We're headed to the circus! Circus Arcanus: Museum of Human Oddities will play a key role in Fantastic Beasts 2 Our thoughts on the film taking place in NYC, Paris and London How will Grindelwald break out of prison? Who will aid in his escape? Will he hide out with the circus before it departs for Europe? Will he rally the circus wizards to his cause? Could he attack the circus since it's a public event? Why is Albus Dumbledore joining this fight so early? It's still roughly 20 years before he "defeats" him. Who are these new characters: Grimmson, Yusuf Kama, Skender? Theseus is confirmed with Credence, Leta and Abernathy returning! Abernathy?!? Really? Is there a connection between Newt and Grindelwald much like Harry and Voldemort? Will J.K. Rowling reveal big news in her upcoming interview with CNN? Make The Connection We'll be at MuggleNet Live this September in Orlando! Learn more about your ad cho

Evanna Lynch joins the show! See Evanna on London's West End in "Disco Pigs" She gives her thoughts on The Cursed Child and Fantastic Beasts So... how is J.K. Rowling doing? Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: Newton Artemis Fido Scamander Eric talks about what it means to have a Hufflepuff take centerstage Newt's strong connection to creatures; what are his ethics towards them?- Newt and Leta: we explore the very little of what's known of their relationship What makes Dumbledore so fond of Newt? Does it have to do with Arianna? Did Newt give Fawkes to Dumbledore? Aragog to Hagrid? How will Newt bring down Grindelwald a second time with beasts? Are they a vulnerability? Make The Connection returns! We'll be at MuggleNet Live! on September 1 in Orlando! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Father's Day and congrats Mikey B! We acknowledge several of the dads and father figures in the Potter series! Pottemore continues to troll Andrew Who the eff is Fleurble Laffalo? We review the new 20th Anniversary editions of Philosopher's Stone Amazon.co.uk has some questionable shipping methods Can we expect future anniversary editions of other Potter books? What special content would they feature? We discuss some of the notable members of each of the Hogwarts houses Flitwick the dueling champion, Draco the occlumens and Lockhart the momma's boy! Snape was the only Death Eater able to produce a patronus - Eric takes issue! Listeners share what they would change about Sorcerer's Stone Next week we conclude our Fantastic Beasts character discussion with Newt Scamander and a very special guest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss the latest Fantastic Beasts casting news Young Dumbledore, Grindelwald, Newt & Leta - are we headed back to Hogwarts & Godric's Hollow? And we theorize on Sebastian? Who is he? A sibling? A goat? A likely casualty? What about Aberforth and Ariana? Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: The Barebones Family Rowling draws parallels to institutional orphanages Do Mary Lou and Grindelwald share a similar objective in exposing the wizard community? Did she know the truth about Credence? Who, if anyone, will continue her cause? This Week in MuggleCast History Voicemails cover Grindelwald, House sortings and a new Potter fan film Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Juliana! It's been 13 years since the release of Prisoner of Azkaban in theaters! We reminisce. The 20th anniversary editions of Philosopher's Stone have shipped! Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: Credence Barebone How much is there still to learn about him? Who was his mother? Could his father still be alive? Can Credence control his powers? He's very targeted in his attacks, but his actions sometimes have unintended consequences (Chastity). Is it odd given how powerful Grindelwald is that he couldn't figure out Credence was the obscurial? Does the obscurial mask its own identity? We discuss Credence's relationship with Graves/Grindelwald Will Dumbledore extend a helping hand to Credence given what happened to Arianna? The Barebone name origin conversation takes an inappropriate turn What's next for Credence? Did he really make it onto the boat? Voicemails: Ron, Queenie, Grindelwald, Puffs and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club Member Clara The original cast of Cursed Child close the show on an interesting note We'll be at MuggleNet Live in Orlando this September! Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: Percival Graves (Grindelwald) We discuss his name origin and other notable Percivals in the Potter series What truly happened to Graves? Was the Graves/Grindelwald story all a little bit too Mad-Eye Moody? We consult the Twitter poll! When did Graves return from his overseas travel? How closely was he working with Theseus Scamander? Can we expect to see Graves in future films? Was he detained? Imprisoned? Killed? Grindelwald's masterful job of impersonation and manipulation What does it say about MACUSA that NOBODY suspected him? David Heyman describes Grindelwald as both "seductive" and a "rock star" Does his treatment of Credence shine a light on his relationship with Dumbledore? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You've never heard of midnight release parties?" Wizarding World Hollywood is getting a nighttime show The original cast of Cursed Child calls it a wrap Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: Seraphina Picquery What does Seraphina being selected by all four Ilvemorny Houses tell us about her? Sorting Hat vs. Gordian Knot - it's on! Picquery's term as President (1920-1928) - how exactly did it come to an end? Seraphina's wand was made by Violetta Beauvais - we discuss the implications! How does her leadership compare to Cornelius Fudge & Rufus Scrimgeour? Her relationship with Tina Listeners share their thoughts on the President of MACUSA And a few more first-time Potter stories are shared Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Katy joins the show! Andrew visits a Thunderbolt.. ThunderBIRD restaurant in middle-of-nowhere Utah Pottermore launches a Harry Potter book club... been there, done that Cursed Child sets its opening date on Broadway. We make plans to attend Andrew steals the Potter prequel We take listener rebuttals on last week's Jacob discussion Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: Porpetina Esther Goldstein Katy gives us a breakdown of Tina's name origin Was her character written to just not be all that interesting... initially? Could the Goldsteins face religious persecution in future films? Tina is the most straight-laced of the quartet but is not without her quirks or passions What does the reasoning behind her demotion at MACUSA tell us about her character? The Tina-Credence connection Voicemails return with some entertaining messages... and threats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a two-man show with Andrew traversing the country But he does make a pit-stop at a very interesting restaurant Listeners give their feedback on last week's Queenie discussion The Cursed Child has been filmed! It's not what you think... On the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, JKR apologizes for another character death! Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: Jacob Kowalski The heart of the film and our first major, non-magical character What is Jacob's role in the Quartet? We discuss how he humanizes Newt and his relationship with Queenie Why take Jacob on a ride of a lifetime only to have it taken away at the end of the movie? What does he truly remember? How will Jacob factor into the next film? Is he vulnerable? Can he be used against Newt? Dueling Club: No-Maj edition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jude Law responds to being cast as Dumbledore Listeners give their thoughts on Theseus Scamander We begin our first Fantastic Beasts character discussion: Queenie Goldstein Queenie's Legilimency does not appear to be common knowledge How her abilities could be used for both good and evil in future films Was she forced to repress her Legilimency growing up? Is she intentionally keeping the truth from MACUSA? How Queenie's Legilimency differs from that of Snape Why does she reveal so quickly to Jacob and Newt that she can read minds? JKR: While Queenie could read your mind right now, she doesn’t always draw the right conclusions from what she’s reading. What are the implications of this statement? Make The Music Connection returns with an interesting twist Sage schools us on the latest Wizard Rock Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Birthday Eric! Callum Turner cast as Theseus Scamander What do we know about Newt's older brother besides a brief mention in Fantastic Beasts? We analyze the letter between brothers that never made the final cut. Would it have put too much emphasis on Grindelwald early on? What kind of relationship do the two brothers share? Micah and Eric have differing opinions. Isn't it a bit ironic that Theseus is tasked to track down Grindelwald and its Newt who catches him? How will Theseus react? Theseus and Graves worked together - how close did Grindelwald get to Theseus without him knowing? Is Theseus even still alive? Could he possibly be a Grindelwald supporter? Will the two brothers work together when Grindelwald inevitably escapes? Will Theseus die tragically like the Greek hero for which he is named? We share some more first Potter memories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member James joins the show as we discuss some of the best special features on the Fantastic Beasts DVD / Blu-ray (and Digital)! - The Wizarding World theme park is getting decked out for Christmas! - What other holidays/celebrations would listeners like to see? - Our main discussion: The Fantastic Beast Creature & Design Features - It's not all green screens and CGI - "Honey, what did you do today?" "Oh I dressed up as an erumpant and traded mating calls with Eddie Redmayne!" - Dougal the Demiguise is JKR's favorite - "If you don't like the Niffler, there is something wrong with you!" - JKR wanted to have one thing that was "quintessentially" American - Frank the Thunderbird - Which begs the question - where were the other American beasts? - Shaping The World of Fantastic Beasts - Rebuilding New York City, inside MACUSA, The Newtcase, The Blind Pig & more - What special features were missing that we would have liked to see? - Voicemails - Get your MuggleCast t-shirt while supplies last! Learn more

This week's episode of MuggleCast is brought to you by Puffs the Play! Save 10% on your tickets by using code MugglePuffs at checkout Grindelwald's line at the end of Fantastic Beasts gets an explanation (kind of) Cursed Child cleans up at the Olivier Awards. Did they deserve it? The super duper deluxe awesome edition of Cursed Child is coming (in paperback), and Micah isn't impressed Jude Law has been cast as Dumbledore! We're headed back to Hogwarts! What other characters can we expect to see? Beard or no beard? Listeners share their thoughts on the news of Jude Law's casting How deep will the movies dive into the relationship between Dumbledore and Grindelwald? Celebrating 20 years of Potter, listeners share their Favorite Memories Voicemails And a new segment that will rival The Voice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back to weekly episodes and patron Sophia joins the show! Andrew is live from Orlando The Fantastic Beasts DVD/Blu-ray is out and we talk deleted scenes and special features Graves, Tina & that awkward mustard moment Jacob & Mildred The neutered runespoor What happened to Credence boarding a boat? Which of the 11 deleted scenes would we like to see make the final cut? Before Harry Potter: A New Era of Magic Begins JKR says Fantastic Beasts is why she's always said "never say never" Heyman, Yates, Kloves, Craig & Jo - the band is back together again Yates was initially hesitant to return to the Potter world Casting A Quartet: what does this mean for the foursome moving forward? The cast discuss Yates' unique directing style The responsibility of continuing Potter Keep sending in your voicemails: 920-3-MUGGLE Next week: Fantastic Beast Feature Discussion: Characters, Creatures & Design Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/

Andrew is back and talks about his time in London! A controversial statement (of sorts) about the Harry Potter Studio Tour How did the studio tour compare to Andrew's set visits back in the day? Another Illustrated Edition is on the way (and it's probably not the one you think) Patreon Question: What book from the Wizarding World would you like JKR to write next? Our main discussion focuses on the newly released Fantastic Beasts book Newt was a spy for Dumbledore (according to Rita Skeeter) Dumbledore's relationship with Newt was "more than a schoolteacher" Six new beasts make the cut and one goes missing A key word in Newt's foreword is changed Our voicemail line is now open and Micah gets generous with our first callers Bonus MuggleCast: New theme park expansion See you in April for weekly episodes and our review of the Fantastic Beasts Blu-ray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast will be returning to weekly format in April! Thanks, Patrons! An unprepared/underwhelming Oscars acceptance speech Fantastic Beasts now on digital release - new clips abound! The Studio tour is expanding again! Audiobooks, new words and theater nominations for Cursed Child. Listener question: What is your earliest Harry Potter memory? Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban illustrated edition cover is revealed! Is Ernie Prang related to Dumbledore? The colors remind us of Goosebumps books. Listeners also weigh in. One more early HP experience to note Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew's worlds collide when The Boss' Harry Potter song finally surfaces! Cursed Child auditions are underway - we're all too tall! Dumbledore casting update Fantastic Beasts is nominated for two Oscars - we're not holding our breath! Our main discussion takes listener questions on the Fantastic Beasts core four How will Newt factor in to the larger wizarding war and the Dumbledore vs. Grindelwald battle? How much does Jacob truly remember? Will he make it out alive? Will he be more than the silly sidekick? Did Jacob and Queenie have a family? Quentin Kowalski would seem to suggest so. What will Tina's new role be? Will she take Graves' position? And possibly lead U.S. magical forces against the growing threat in Europe? What was the relationship between Tina and the real Graves like? Can Queenie turn off her powerful legilimancy abilities? How does she handle all of that information? What other talents can wizards and witches be born with? How can Queenie use her powers in the war to come? We an

We review the new House editions of Sorcerer's Stone from Bloomsbury Andrew reveals his true allegiance(s) Kreacher has passed on at age 666 What tweet about a popular Fantastic Beasts theory did J.K. Rowling like three times? Zoe Kravitz talks Newt and Leta Fantastic Beasts Mailbag We theorize a bit more on why Newt left Hogwarts Was Dumbledore a target of Grindelwald's from the onset? Will Dumbledore be portrayed in a less than positive light in future films? Will his relationship with Grindelwald be showcased at all? Chances we get a Tom Riddle cameo? What other families/characters can we expect to run into? What will happen to Credence in the next film? The creepy Death Cell inside MACUSA What exactly happens to witches and wizards born to No-Majs in the U.S.? The Dueling Club and Make The Connection return! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We pay tribute to the late John Hurt The truth behind Never Sever Us The Rubbish Bin on JKR's site returns... with a Cursed Child focus Follow The Spiders - what does it mean? The Fantastics Beasts DVD/Blu-ray gets a release date! We listen to the deleted scene featuring the Ilvermorny house song! Eddie Redmayne will read the new Fantastic Beasts audiobook We revisit Fantastic Beasts: Jeanna compares the screening in Chicago to the final product Jacob's fiancee How the big Grindelwald reveal went down Theme park expansion rumors abound in Bonus MuggleCast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew's now a published author! ...and has tasted hot Butterbeer! ...and has traded houses to become a Slytherin! What does it mean that Grindelwald was a seer? The new Fantastic Beasts covers have been revealed! We dive deep into the launch of JKR's new website (which definitely has a nostalgic feel) Jo answers some FAQs about Fantastic Beasts and we analyze Why couldn't Newt just apparate to the USA? Why did he go through No-Maj customs? Why couldn't Newt 'accio' all of his beasts safely back to his briefcase? Why isn't Veritaserum used in interrogations? Why did 'revelio' undo the effects of the Polyjuice Potion? Why didn't Harry Potter develop an Obscurus? Twitter Question: What uncommon element(s) from the HP books or films do you want to see become important in the FB series? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices