RUMOR: New “Crimes of Grindelwald” Funko Figures? What Is a Matagot?

Have we gotten our first look at a new collection of Funko Pop! figures based on Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald? An image of what appears to be an advertisement for eight new figures has materialized, but Funko has neither confirmed nor denied that the figures pictured will be part of an upcoming Crimes of Grindelwald line.

The figures pictured in the image from Hypable (since removed) include Newt Scamander, Albus Dumbledore, and Gellert Grindelwald, which bears a striking resemblance to the Grindelwald figure released last year as a New York Comic-Con exclusive. The group is rounded out with five different beasts: Pickett (a Bowtruckle), a pair of baby Nifflers, a Thestral, a Chupacabra, and a Matagot.

The most exciting information we can learn from this image is the name “Matagot,” which we believe to be the cats we see in the trailer. In our exclusive interview with Dan Fogler, we asked if he had any information about the beasts.

Cat: And the strange cats with the eyes.

Alison: Yeah, with the big blue eyes.

Dan: Yeah, those are Egyptian cats. Yeah. They look Egyptian. I wasn’t involved in that part of the movie, so I don’t know what those are. But yeah, they were pretty funky.

If these cats are indeed matagots, then this is the most information we’ve had about the beast. Several sources report the Matagot to be a creature of French folklore.

In French lore, and is basically a spirit in animal form. Among its favorite forms include black cat, dog, cow, fox or even rat. While considered to be evil, other accounts say that matagots or mandagots can be actually helpful and could even bring wealth to a home if it is well fed, especially with fresh and plump chicken. […] The bottomline is, if you get something out of it, expect to give something in return, too.

Since these creatures appear in the French Ministry of Magic, can we assume they are beasts that protect the ministry? They seemed to be roaming freely under the protection of the French ministry witch. Perhaps the matagots help protect and bring wealth to the ministry, as long as they are given something in return (maybe people who break in?). The matagots might end up being a big problem for Newt!

We’re hoping to see an official report of new Funko figures soon, and the illustrations in this picture look like they would be excellent choices for the Crimes of Grindelwald collection. Until Funko makes an announcement, however, we can only speculate as to whether this is a sneak peek at soon-to-be-released merchandise or the clever work of a fan.

Take a look at the image showing the possible new Funko Pop! figures below, and stay tuned for more information!