Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is coming. Starring Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law and Johnny Depp, the latest instalment in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter prequel series is released in UK cinemas on 16 November 2018. The trailer's already dropped, sporting several London locations. Here's where to celebrate the film's arrival:
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald London premiere
The date of the UK premiere of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald has yet to be revealed, but we know it's sometime between 9-16 November 2018. Sadly, us muggles can't magic up tickets, but we expect it'll take place in Leicester Square, so head there to try to get a glimpse of Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law and co.
Midnight Fantastic Beasts launch parties at Waterstones
What's a book shop got to do with a new film, you might ask? A screenplay of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is released at the same time as the film, to satiate the ever-hungry appetites of Potter fans. Certain London branches of Waterstones stay open until midnight, to allow fans to get their hands on the book asap:
Waterstones Piccadilly is throwing what sounds like a hell of a party, with Wizarding World theme immersive experiences to take part in as the countdown approaches. Wizarding fancy dress very much encouraged. £20 (includes a copy of the book - which will be specially stamped on the night), book ahead, from 10pm on Thursday 15 November
Waterstones Greenwich hosts a late-night party for fans, with games, quizzes and a coin hunt in the run-up to the launch. At midnight, tills open and you can buy the book. Fancy dress encouraged. £8.49, book ahead, from 10pm on Thursday 15 November
Similarly, Waterstones Trafalgar Square is throwing a midnight launch party, with drinks, snacks, prizes and a quiz to keep you occupied until you've got the book in your hands. £10, book ahead, from 10pm on Thursday 15 November
The Gower Street branch is transforming its cafe into a 20s salon for the evening, with themed cocktails, parlour games and a quiz (cinema tickets will be awarded to the winners, so get swotting). £8.50, book ahead, from 8pm on Thursday 15 November.
Other Fantastic Beasts book shop events
Greenwich and Trafalgar Square are the only branches holding midnight launches, but other Waterstones around the capital are marking the launch:
- Tottenham Court Road hosts a 'Fantastic Beasteasy', transforming the basement bar into an art deco style speakeasy, reflecting the era in which the Wizarding World is set. Sounds fun. Age 18+, £10, book ahead, 16 November, 6.30pm
- Putney has activities including a quiz and a chance to help the Nifflers find the gold coins hidden around the store. Free, just turn up, 16 November, 4pm
- Barnet and Enfield and Harrow and Camden and Finchley and Crouch End branches will have some sort of shindig with magic-centric activities — more details TBC — on 16 & 17 November
- Blackheath has a day of magic and mischief planned, including a chance to play the Harry Potter versions of Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble, get involved in the Dark Arts & Crafts table and hunt out the Fantastic Beasts hidden around the store. Free, just turn up, 17 November, 9am-5pm
- The plasticine and Play D'oh are coming out in Covent Garden, with customers encouraged to sculpt their own Fantastic Beasts, plus drawing, colouring and a quiz. Free, book ahead, 17 November, 1pm-2pm
Midnight film screenings of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
- Everyman Canary Wharf
- Screen on the Green, Islington
- Clapham Picturehouse
- Stratford Picturehouse
- Genesis Cinema, Bethnal Green
- BFI Imax, Waterloo
- Odeon Camden
- Odeon Greenwich
- Odeon Kingston
- Odeon Tottenham Court Road
- Odeon Streatham
- Odeon Surrey Quays
- Greenwich Picturehouse hosts a pre-screening event on 14 November
Fantastic Beasts at Warner Bros Studios
If you get in quick, you might manage to snap up one of the remaining tickets to watch the new film at the Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden. It'll set you back a painful £149 per person, but that includes a studio tour, plus a drink and snack while you watch the film. 17-19 November
Know of anything we've missed? Let us (and your fellow Fantastic Beasts fans) know in the comments below.
