Fantastic Beasts and Where Not to Find Them: Ten Creatures Not Found in the “Potter” Films
I love talking about things missing from the Harry Potter films. After each movie came out, I would sit down with my friends and talk about everything that was left out, changed, or added. With a new movie coming out soon, I wanted to share with you my list of the top ten creatures that did not appear in the films. Maybe they will make an appearance in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
10. Sphinx
The sphinx is a magical creature with a lion’s body and a human face. They are used to protect treasures. One appears in the fourth book when Harry is going through the maze in the final task. It asked Harry a riddle and permitted him to pass after he guessed the right answer. It would have been interesting to see how the special effects team would have brought this creature to life.
9. Vampires
Vampires are mentioned many times in the books. They even have their own candy, Blood Pops, which is one of my favorite treats. One is even invited to the Slug Club Christmas party in the sixth book. The closest we got to a vampire in the films, was Severus Snape, whom many students believed actually was a vampire.
8. Bowtruckles
These small, tree-dwelling creatures first appear in the fifth book. Their fingers are the perfect shape for digging out wood lice and gouging out eyes. I wouldn’t want to get on their bad side.
7. Veela
Beautiful cheerleaders who can throw fire and grow bird heads when they are mad. Need I say more?
6. The Weasleys’ Ghoul
The Burrow has its own ghoul who lives in the attic. In the seventh book, the Weasleys transfigure the ghoul to look like Ron with Spattergroit, in an attempt to explain why he was not at Hogwarts. That would have been fun to see.
5. Gnomes
Gnomes are considered to be pests by the wizarding world. The Weasleys often de-gnome their garden by picking up a gnome, spinning them, and then throwing them as far as they can. This sounds like a great stress reliever.
4. Blast-Ended Skrewts
These creatures were a cross between manticores and Fire Crabs. They were bred by Hagrid and spent most of the fourth book being cared for by fourth-year Care of Magical Creatures students. They had stingers and suckers for sucking blood, and they shot sparks out of their rears. After spending a year fighting each other, only one was left, and it was used during the final challenge in the Triwizard Tournament
3. Firenze the Centaur
Firenze was one of the coolest teachers at Hogwarts. He shows up in the first movie but does not appear in the rest of them. I loved seeing Dumbledore hire him against Umbridge’s wishes. That would have been a great moment to see in the films.
2. Crumple-Horned Snorkack
Luna was on a quest to find one during the last few books. Luna and her father, Xenophilius, took many trips in an attempt to find one. I still believe that they exist and that somewhere out there, Luna is discovering one.
1. The Giant Squid
I think that the Giant Squid is one of the coolest things about Hogwarts. It saved Dennis Creevey by pulling him out of the lake. It ate toast that Hermione gave it and let Fred and George tickle it. I know someone used the excuse “the Giant Squid ate my homework.” Sadly, even though it appears in the first six books, it did not make an appearance in the films. It was supposed to appear in the third film but was later written out. Can you imagine going to a school that has a Giant Squid living in the lake?
Which creatures do you think should have made it into the movies? Share your thoughts in the comments.
