UPDATED: New Documentary “Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History” Coming to BBC One

by · February 7, 2022

A new documentary tied to the Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum is coming soon to BBC One. The documentary, titled Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History, will follow host Stephen Fry, according to an announcement from Wizarding World Digital.

Fry is a familiar voice to many fans of the Wizarding World franchise. He is the narrator of the Harry Potter audiobooks for the United Kingdom, and his voice was also featured in Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.

Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History is a collaborative effort between the BBC Natural History Unit, the Natural History Museum, and Warner Bros., according to Wizarding World Digital.

In a unique collaboration with the BBC Natural History Unit, the Natural History Museum (who helmed the exhibition, Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature) and Warner Bros., expect this documentary to unfurl all sorts of mysteries around fantastic beasts and real-life creatures across history that you may not believe could possibly exist.

The documentary will focus on creatures such as “dragons, mermaids and unicorns” in addition to unusual animals in the real world, including “vervet monkeys, narwhals and manatees.”

The documentary will show Fry traveling to multiple locations to learn more about these fantastic beasts, and Wizarding World Digital notes that he will be in conversation with author J.K. Rowling.

Along the way, Stephen will chat to the Wizarding World’s creator, J.K. Rowling, to discuss the inspirations behind the creatures we meet in Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts while also meeting with visual effects supervisor Christian Manz, who has lent his talents to several Wizarding World movies, bringing countless magical creations to life.

Information about international broadcasting rights was not included in Wizarding World Digital’s announcement; however, it mentions that fans should “stay tuned” to learn more about where they can watch the special.

UPDATE (February 16):

Wizarding World Digital has released a trailer for Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History, as shared to Facebook and Twitter. It will air on February 27 at 7:00 p.m. GMT on BBC One and iPlayer, and it will be available for streaming on HBO Max in the United States beginning April 1. J.K. Rowling briefly appears in the trailer, confirming her appearance in the documentary.

 

 

According to the Facebook post, more information on when and where those outside the United Kingdom and United States can watch Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History will be coming soon.

 

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