2016 – Year in Review

The Numbers

  • MuggleNet news posts: 804
  • MuggleNet page views: 8,177,865
  • MuggleNet seen in: 183 countries, colonies, and territories by over 2,618,000 individuals during 5,081,129 sessions

 

The Stellar Seven

These were our seven most popular news stories for the year.

  1. The Fantastic Beasts world premiere took place in New York City with numerous red carpet interviews with J.K. Rowling, Eddie Remayne, and more.
  2. J.K. Rowling announced her newly redesigned interactive website, which crashed shortly thereafter with all her fans trying to access it.
  3. MuggleNet interviewed Ezra Miller to discuss his character, Credence, and his meeting with J.K. Rowling.
  4. MuggleNet visited the set of Fantastic Beasts and reported on our fantastic findings.
  5. J.K. Rowling finally opened up about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, in her only interview prior to the opening of the play in London.
  6. Publishers Scholastic and Little Brown UK announced that they would be publishing the script of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, with release set for the summer.
  7. Pottermore revealed the history of MACUSA, filled with magic, deception, and more.

 

The Stories

January

January 1 - The Pottermore Correspondent revealed a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the action on the set of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

January 7 - It was announced that Warner Bros. Studio Tour London would be marking the 15th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by hosting a series of special events across the year, including an inside look at the set of number four, Privet Drive.

January 7 - Emma Watson launched her feminist book club, Our Shared Shelf.

January 8 - It was announced that Running Press would release a collectible Quidditch set.

January 8 - It was announced that the selection committee would create a US National Quidditch Team.

January 12 - VIDEO - The second trailer for Colonia, starring Emma Watson, was released.

January 14 - Alan Rickman, who portrayed Severus Snape, passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 69.

January 15 - Emma Watson launched a new website for her HeForShe campaign.

January 17 - Details were revealed about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, including news that Flight of the Hippogriff would be bigger and faster than the Florida version.

January 19 - J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson were both nominated for Shorty Awards.

January 19 - Bonnie Wright announced her new directorial project, a film based on the short story “Medusa’s Ankles” by A.S. Byatt.

January 20 - Funko officially released images of Harry Potter Wave 2 Pop! Vinyl figures - Harry Potter in his Triwizard Tournament uniform, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in their Yule Ball garb, Dobby, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Luna Lovegood, a Dementor, and Albus Dumbledore.

January 21 - Warner Bros. and Global Experience Specialists announced that they would extend the world tour of Harry Potter: The Exhibition until spring 2020.

January 21 - Emma Watson was listed in Forbes magazine in its annual “30 Under 30” line-up.

January 22 - VIDEO - Sir Kenneth Branagh accepted London’s top honor, the Dilys Powell Award for Excellence in Film.

January 22 - VIDEO - Emma Watson spoke on gender parity at the 2016 World Economic Forum.

January 24 - Pottermore released the Great Wand-O-Graphic - an infographic tracking the statistics for wand usage throughout the Harry Potter series.

January 24 - Gary Oldman presented David Heyman with the Producers Award at the 2016 Producers Guild Awards.

January 25 - It was announced that J.K. Rowling would be honored with the PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award at the 2016 PEN Literary Gala and Free Expression Awards.

January 28 - Pottermore announced that the Sorting and wand selection quizzes had returned to the site.

January 29 - Pottermore revealed the names and locations of several other wizarding schools, including the North American school, Ilvermorny.

January 30 -  VIDEO - Pottermore released an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip featuring the stars of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them discussing their roles and experiences so far as new additions to J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.

January 30 - Eddie Redmayne announced that filming had wrapped for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on January 29.

January 30 - VIDEO - The first day's coverage of A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort included a Q&A with special guests Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Katie Leung, Matthew Lewis, and Rupert Grint.

February
February 2 - VIDEO - Fans got a first look at actor Matthew Lewis in his role in the television series Happy Valley.

February 2 - Universal Studios Hollywood introduced a new ticket reservation system, as well as demand pricing.

February 4 - As part of Harry Potter Book Night: A Night of Spells, Bloomsbury Children’s Books found that the Patronus Charm was the world's favorite spell from the Harry Potter series.

February 5 - Emma Watson was appointed a visiting fellow at Oxford University's Lady Margaret Hall College.

February 5 - Actor Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley) returned to the West End to star in the comedic play Hand to God.

February 7 - VIDEO - Daniel Radcliffe joined a number of other British actors to protest cuts made to BBC.

February 8 - Emma Thompson (Professor Trelawney) dedicated her Evening Standard Film Award to the late Alan Rickman (Professor Snape).

February 10 - Bloomsbury UK revealed its plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

February 10 - Publishers Scholastic and Little, Brown UK announced that they would be publishing the script of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, with release set for the summer.

February 11 - Just a day after its publication was announced, the script of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child topped multiple bestseller charts.

February 11 - MuggleNet offered readers a sneak peek of what they could expect from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

February 12 - Even more Funko vinyl figures were announced, and MuggleNet was able to provide exclusive details on what fans would be able to add to their collections.

February 13 - The cover illustrator and release date for a new edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them were announced by Bloomsbury UK, and the illustrator would be none other than Jonny Duddle.

February 13 - Soft launch rehearsals were held at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, in anticipation of its April opening.

February 14 - MuggleNet staff members shared how they celebrated Harry Potter Book Night, held on February 4, with our event report.

February 15 - We got another look at Daniel Radcliffe in Now You See Me 2, when a poster featuring his character was released.

February 16 - In a new interview, Katie Leung (Cho Chang) discussed her upcoming mini-series, One Child, and the Harry Potter series.

February 17 - CineConcerts and Warner Bros. teamed up to create a Harry Potter concert series.

February 17 - VIDEO - A new trailer and teaser poster were released for Emma Watson's film Colonia, and it was also given a US release date.

February 18 - Fans got a first look at Sir Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore) as Winston Churchill in the television film Churchill's Secret.

February 18 - Emma Watson talked about her decision to take a step back from acting roles in 2016.

February 20 - Eddie Redmayne talked about how he immersed himself in magizoology for his role as Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

February 22 - A limited-edition Sorcerer's Stone print by comics artist Gerhard was available for pre-order from Dark Hall Mansion.

February 23 - Pottermore reported on costume designer Colleen Atwood's work on Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

February 23 - Visitors to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London were invited to discover the secrets behind how character Rubeus Hagrid came to life in the Harry Potter films.

February 24 - MuggleNet provided a taste test of the food that fans could expect from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

February 26 - In discussion with Gloria Steinem, Emma Watson talked about how she had come to embrace her “Hermione side.”

February 26 - The full cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was announced, and rehearsals for the play began.

February 28 - Actress Noma Dumezweni talked about playing an adult Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

March
March 2 - Universal Studios Hollywood announced the Hogsmeade Hunt sweepstakes in preparation for the opening of the themed area.

March 4 - Imelda Staunton and Sir Kenneth Branagh received Olivier Award Nominations.

March 4 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child announced the casting of Scorpius Malfoy.

March 5 - J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter chair went up for auction via Heritage Auctions.

March 6 - J.K. Rowling surprised Scottish book club fans by making a rare appearance.

March 8 - Pottermore released new writing from J.K. Rowling, introducing fans to North American magic, called "Fourteenth Century - Seventeenth Century."

March 8 - Emma Watson launched HeForShe Arts Week in NYC.

March 9 - Pottermore released a second post from J.K. Rowling on the "History of Magic in North America," called "Seventeenth Century and Beyond."

March 10 - Pottermore released the third installment of "History of Magic in North America," titled "Rappaport’s Law."

March 11 - The final installment of the "History of Magic in North America" was revealed on Pottermore, introducing fans to four American wandmakers, called "1902s Wizarding America."

March 15 - Harry Potter Film Concert Series announced Los Angeles dates.

March 17 - MuggleNet’s March Madness, book chapters edition, began.

March 17 - J.K. Rowling was announced as one of Time’s Most Influential People on the Internet.

March 19 - The US National Quidditch team was announced for the 2016 World Cup.

March 22 - The tie-in books for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them were revealed.

March 22 - Universal announced the Potter stars who attended the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

March 23 - Sarita Allison, prosthetic artist for the Potter films, talked about her experiences on the set of the movies, ahead of the special Easter event at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

March 27 - J.K. Rowling opened up about the horrible circumstances that led to the founding of her charitable organization, Lumos.

March 28 - Sonia Friedman talked about casting Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and working with J.K. Rowling.

March 29 - Harry Potter: Magical Places & Characters coloring book was released.

March 29 - Publishing partners for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them were revealed.

March 30 - The first look into Jim Kay’s illustrated Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was released.

March 31 - New Harry Potter jigsaw puzzles were announced.

March 31 - Six Potter alumni were nominated for BAFTA TV Awards.

March 31 - Emma Thompson backed a campaign to end homophobia in Scottish schools.

April
April 1 - MuggleNet’s annual April Fools’ Day prank had Professor Dolores Umbridge take over the MuggleNet site.

April 2 - The Harry Potter Alliance brought its book drive to US Quidditch Cup 9.

April 4 - Multiple Harry Potter alumni were awarded at the Olivier Awards.

April 4 - It has been announced that Daniel Radcliffe will portray the anti-magician antagonist Walter in the movie Now You See Me 2.

April 5 - The winner of MuggleNet’s March Madness, book chapters edition, was the No. 3 seed "The Flaw in the Plan" from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

April 5 - Universal Studios Hollywood sold out for its opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

April 6 - J.K. Rowling’s writing chair was sold at auction.

April 7 - Cursed Child found its Rose Weasley in actress Cherrelle Skeete.

April 10 - Eight-time Oscar nominee composer James Newton Howard was revealed to compose Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’s film score.

April 10 - The teaser trailer for Fantastic Beasts was released.

April 11 - Pottermore dished on fantastic beasts shown in the teaser trailer.

April 12 - New attractions were unveiled for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan.

April 13 - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London opened the doors to number four, Privet Drive.

April 14 - The first look at Rupert Grint in Adolf the Artist was revealed.

April 18 - The Paris Titans team won the European Quidditch Cup championship match .

April 20 - The QC Boston team won the ninth annual US Quidditch Cup.

April 25 - Emma Watson discussed her movie Regression.

April 26 - It was announced that the Fantastic Beasts screenplay would be published as a book.

April 27 - The Fantastic Beasts production designer discussed the making of the Salem memorial.

April 28 - MinaLima released new Harry Potter stationery.

April 29 - Emma Watson interviewed Geena Davis discussing feminism and sexism in Hollywood.

April 29 - MuggleNet celebrated July 31 with another fabulous YALC Potter party.

May
May 8 - Pottermore's source code revealed what was later confirmed as the House names for Ilvermorny.

May 12 - It was announced that J.K. Rowling would be attending a special gala performance of Cursed Child with proceeds going to her children’s charity, Lumos.

May 16 - Fans in Liverpool were given a chance to see the motorbike that Hagrid rode in Deathly Hallows - Part 1. The bike was on loan as part of an exhibit celebrating the city’s role in film over the last 60 years.

May 16 - During a Q&A session, Bonnie Wright used her experiences to give us a list of eight tips for creatives.

May 17 - While being awarded the PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award for work in opposing oppression, Rowling used lessons taught in Harry Potter as examples for how to spread tolerance and respect.

May 18 - It was revealed Steven Spielberg was set to present composer John Williams with the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award.

May 26 - Through the Pottermore Correspondent, we were given a glimpse at the Fantastic Beasts creative team's inspiration for 1920s New York, the Tenement Museum.

May 30 - In a Fantastic Beasts roundup, we got to hear from the women of the film about what it was like working with Eddie Redmayne, what it was like on set, Tina and Queenie’s apartment, and their feelings for J.K. Rowling.

May 31 - A week before the Cursed Child previews, we were given the first Potter "family portrait,” featuring Harry, Albus, and Ginny.

May 31 - The Shanghai International Film Festival announced that it would be screening all eight Harry Potter films as a part of the festivities.

June
June 1 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child released the first “family portrait” of the new cast who would be playing the Weasleys.

June 1 - Sales for Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Belgium broke records for ticket sales - over 75,000.

June 1 - VIDEO - Bonnie Wright and Rupert Grint were sorted on Pottermore, as well as Matthew Lewis and Evanna Lynch in subsequent days.

June 1 - Daniel Radcliffe returned to the world of magic in Now You See Me 2 and claimed he might not see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

June 2 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child revealed the Malfoy “family portrait.”

June 5 - J.K. Rowling finally opened up about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, in her only interview prior to the opening of the play in London.

June 6 - J.K. Rowling confronted online criticism of Noma Dumezweni being cast as Hermione.

June 6 - Daniel Radcliffe discussed his life after Potter and some of his weird choices in roles for upcoming films.

June 6 - The cast and creative team behind Harry Potter and the Cursed Child provided insight into the origin of the new stage production.

June 7 - MuggleNet attended Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and provided a spoiler-free review of Part One of the play.

June 8 - Despite the request from Jo to #KeepTheSecrets, fans offered their opinions on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

June 9 - MuggleNet posted the second part of the spoiler-free review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

June 10 - LEGO Dimensions announced the inclusion of Harry Potter and Newt Scamander in the latest version of the game.

June 12 - MuggleNet reported on a special 60-minute Q&A session with Potter producer David Heyman.

June 17 - In the wake of the Orlando nightclub shooting, MuggleNet took a look back at all the things J.K. Rowling had done to give back to fans and to prove that love conquers all, including donating flowers to the memorial service of a victim of the shooting.

June 20 - Noma Dumezweni talked about playing Hermione and how she found the character to be fascinating.

June 20 - A new Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them poster was revealed, and an announcement was made about a surprise to take place at VidCon.

June 21 - A new block of tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was announced.

June 21 - Scholastic and Bloomsbury announced plans to release an updated edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them book in 2017.

June 23 - VIDEO - J.K. Rowling and Eddie Redmayne introduced fans and press to Newt Scamander, Tina Goldstein, and Jacob Kowalski.

June 23 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child press performances were moved ahead by one week, and the embargo on reviews of the play was lifted.

June 23 - The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London announced its plans to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with special events and guests.

June 27 - J.K. Rowling announced that she, David Yates, and Eddie Redmayne, along with other members of the cast, would attend a special screening of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in New York City to benefit her foundation, Lumos.

June 28 - VIDEO - Pottermore revealed the origins of the North American wizarding school, Ilvermorny, with all-new writing from J.K. Rowling, which included the four different Houses students were sorted into.

June 30 - Newly designed Harry Potter DVD, Blu-ray, and Steelbook covers were announced by Warner Bros. and HMV.

June 30 - Emma Watson was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

June 30 - Daniel Radcliffe raised hopes for Potter fans by saying he would not rule out a return to the role of Harry Potter.

June 30 - A deluxe edition of Jim Kay’s illustrated Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was announced to be released in October 2016.

July
July 1 - David Yates confirmed that J.K. Rowling had completed the script for the second Fantastic Beasts movie.

July 4 - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London announced Breakfast at Hogwarts, a special ticketed event in front of the Hogwarts Castle model.

July 8 - Funko Pop! announced its first Fantastic Beasts figure: Newt Scamander.

July 13 - We learned that Warner Bros. had acquired Cursed Child trademarks, including for motion picture films.

July 16 - MuggleNet reported on Leviosa, a first-time Harry Potter fan convention in Las Vegas.

July 16 - MuggleNet teamed up with the Hogwarts Running Club for its Fantastic Beasts 5K virtual run.

July 20 - The first test screening of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was held in Chicago.

July 23 - VIDEO - San Diego Comic-Con held a Fantastic Beasts panel, featuring David Yates, David Heyman, Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Colin Farrell, Dan Fogler, and Alison Sudol, and a new trailer was released.

July 26 - The Harry Potter and the Cursed Child script book topped Amazon and Barnes & Noble bestseller lists and was Barnes & Noble’s most pre-ordered book since Deathly Hallows.

July 30 - HarperCollins announced three books that would detail behind-the-scenes work on Fantastic Beasts.

July 30 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child officially opened with a red carpet gala attended by J.K. Rowling. The script book was released that night at midnight release parties worldwide.

August
August 3 - Warner Bros. confirmed the release date of the second film in the Fantastic Beasts series as November 16, 2018.

August 3 - Scholastic sales of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child reached above two million in the first two days of publication.

August 4 - Warner Bros. announced its partnership with the Noble Collection to release Fantastic Beasts merchandise.

August 5 - Bloomsbury announced the release of several Fantastic Beasts tie-in books, including J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: A Pop-up Gallery of Curiosities and Newt Scamander: A Movie Scrapbook.

August 8 - Bloomsbury announced celebration plans for the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2017, including special Hogwarts House editions and an exhibition at the British Library.

August 9 - Universal Studios Japan announced special Halloween festivities for 2016.

August 17 - Pottermore announced the publication of the three Pottermore Presents e-books, Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies; Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Political and Pesky Poltergeists; and Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide, for release on September 6.

August 23 - The international trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was released.

August 26 - The first photos of Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson, surfaced.

August 31 - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London announced special Fantastic Beasts screening events.

September
September 1 - Pottermore revealed the covers for the Fantastic Beasts screenplay.

September 1 - VIDEO - Disney released a sneak peek of the new Beauty and the Beast film.

September 1 - The 1920s-inspired cover of Newt Scamander: A Movie Scrapbook was revealed.

September 3 - Rupert Grint was spotted on the set of the television show Snatch for his first day of filming.

September 8 - Warner Bros. and TT Games announced that PlayStation’s LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 will be combined on one disc for the Playstation 4.

September 9 - Matthew Lewis was named Man of the Month by the UK’s Phoenix magazine.

September 10 - Alan Rickman, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Thompson, and many more Potter stars were named on the Evening Standard’s list of London’s Most Influential People 2016.

September 11 - VIDEO - We get a first look at the Harry Potter expansion for LEGO Dimensions, including scenes from Hogwarts, the Chamber of Secrets, Hogsmeade, and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.

September 12 - The people of Utrecht, Netherlands, received the happy news that Harry Potter: The Exhibition would be headed their way in February 2017.

September 12 - MuggleNet visited the set of Fantastic Beasts and reported on our fantastic findings.

September 12 - Alison Sudol spoke on her character Queenie, meeting J.K. Rowling, and female role models during MuggleNet’s Fantastic Beasts set visit.

September 12 - MuggleNet’s report on the Fantastic Beasts set visit continued.

September 12 - Eddie Redmayne talked about wands, his character Newt, and the beasts of Fantastic Beasts during MuggleNet’s set visit.

September 12 - Director David Yates spoke on his return to the wizarding world during MuggleNet’s Fantastic Beasts set visit.

September 12 - Dan Fogler talked about being a No-Maj in J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world during MuggleNet’s Fantastic Beasts set visit.

September 12 - Ezra Miller spoke on his experience with the Potter series during MuggleNet’s Fantastic Beasts set visit.

September 12 - Producer David Heyman talked about getting back into the wizarding world during MuggleNet’s Fantastic Beasts set visit.

September 12 - Production designer Stuart Craig spoke on designing the magical landscape of New York during MuggleNet’s Fantastic Beasts set visit.

September 12 - MuggleNet reported on all of the beasts we spotted on the set of Fantastic Beasts.

September 12 - Katherine Waterston spoke on becoming her character Tina during MuggleNet’s Fantastic Beasts set visit.

September 12 - Colin Farrell talked about his character Graves in an interview during MuggleNet’s Fantastic Beasts set visit.

September 17 - VIDEO - J.K. Rowling spoke on her charity Lumos in a live chat to launch We Are Lumos worldwide.

September 17 - Entertainment Weekly confirmed that Eddie Redmayne would be making an appearance at PopFest.

September 19 - The adorable Funko Pop! collection ofFantastic Beasts  characters is unveiled.

September 22 - VIDEO - The much-awaited Patronus quiz went live on Pottermore, leading to some very mixed feelings among fans.

September 22 - We learned that the Fantastic Beasts soundtrack would be released on November 4, 2016.

September 23 - VIDEO - Emma Watson spoke in front of the UN General Assembly on gender inequality and violence against women.

September 24 - Bloomsbury revealed a sneak peek at Jim Kay’s illustration of Lockhart from the illustrated Chamber of Secrets.

September 24 - Terence Bayler, who played the Bloody Baron in the original Potter movies, passed away at age 86.

September 26 - MinaLima announced they would be in Paris with a new graphic art exhibition during November.

September 28 - Fans got a sneak peek inside Newt Scamander: A Movie Scrapbook.

September 28 - VIDEO - The final trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was released.

September 28 - Warner Bros. announced that it was hosting a Global Fan Event at participating theaters, including a live Q&A with the cast and never-before-seen footage from the Fantastic Beasts film.

September 28 - The EU and Haiti came together to fight child trafficking with a little help from Lumos.

September 29 - J.K. Rowling was named Hollywood’s most powerful author of 2016.

September 30 - Emma Watson met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to talk about gender inequality.

September 30 - We got our first look at Emma Watson as Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

October
October 2 - A special Christmas event was announced for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan.

October 3 - The international tour schedule for the Harry Potter Film Concert Series was revealed.

October 3 - IMAX announced that it would re-release all eight Harry Potter films in theaters for a one-week-only event.

October 4 - The Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets illustrated edition was released, and illustrator Jim Kay talked about bringing the magic of the book to life.

October 6 - Pottermore revealed the history of MACUSA, filled with magic, deception, and more.

October 7 - When the full track list for Fantastic Beasts was released, MuggleNet speculated on song titles and what they would reveal about the plot of the upcoming film.

October 7 - VIDEO - The first listen to the Fantastic Beasts soundtrack, featuring the opening track, was released.

October 9 - The release date for Emma Watson’s new film, The Circle, starring Tom Hanks and John Boyega (The Force Awakens), was revealed.

October 13 - Tickets for Fantastic Beasts officially went on sale.

October 13 - At the Fantastic Beasts Global Fan Event, J.K. Rowling announced that there would be five movies in the series, which sent fans into madness.

October 15 - MuggleNet reveals its role in the Newsweek Special Edition - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

October 18 - Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced a Fantastic Beasts interactive mobile game, just days after MuggleNet speculation.

October 18 - SpeakBeasty's first live episode, "Live at NYCC 2016!," became available for download.

October 23 - David Yates revealed the second Fantastic Beasts film will feature young Dumbledore at Hogwarts and more.

October 26 - Hugh Mitchell made his case on why Colin Creevey didn’t deserve to die in the Battle of Hogwarts.

October 26 - Emma Watson encouraged women to vote in the 2016 United States Presidential Election.

October 27 - Eddie Redmayne was announced to star as Newt Scamander in Children in Need sketch.

October 27 - Empire Magazine featured new, intriguing facts on the Fantastic Beasts series, as well as an advanced, special edition, moving cover.

October 29 - Emma Watson partnered with eco-friendly clothing line Zady to promote ethical, eco-conscious fashion.

October 31 - MuggleNet announced it would be at the NYC Fantastic Beasts premiere.

November
November 1 - Google launched a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them-themed landing page for Android device users.

November 1 - Emma Watson received the Inspiration Award at the 2016 Harper’s Bazaar UK Women of the Year Awards in London.

November 1 - Rumors broke out that Johnny Depp could star in the sequel to Fantastic Beasts alongside official reports of his cameo role in the first film.

November 1 - Bonnie Wright discussed her rewarding experience of visiting Haiti with Lumos.

November 1 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was nominated for the 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy.

November 2 - We got our first look at Emma Watson as Belle on the cover of Entertainment Weekly.

November 2 - Hot butterbeer was added to the menu at the Three Broomsticks and the Hog’s Head at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.

November 2 - MinaLima, designer duo of the Marauder’s Map, released Fantastic Beasts art prints and stationery for online pre-order.

November 3 - Eddie Redmayne talked about his prior acting experiences and acting methods in a lengthy interview with CBS.

November 3 - Bloomsbury released an illustrated Harry Potter box set, inclusive of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

November 3 - WaterTower Music released an 18-track YouTube playlist of the entire Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them soundtrack to listen to for free.

November 4 - It was announced that 60,000 Cursed Child tickets were to be released for sale on November 22.

November 5 - The Noble Collection released its official Fantastic Beasts collection, including the wands of Newt Scamander, Percival Graves, Tina and Queenie Goldstein, and Seraphina Picquery.

November 7 - At the press junket for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston talked about the work of Lumos, feminism during the 1920s, and more.

November 7 - David Yates revealed more Fantastic Beasts sequel spoilers with one pertaining to the films exploring the rise of Gellert Grindelwald.

November 7 - MuggleNet interviewed Ezra Miller to discuss his character, Credence, and his meeting with J.K. Rowling.

November 7 - VIDEO - J.K. Rowling discussed how she perceives the differing perspectives of Newt, Tina, Queenie, and Jacob.

November 8 - A new Harry Potter exhibition opened in Singapore, which houses various multimedia exhibits and offers special collectibles.

November 9 - The Cursed Child script was shortlisted for the 2016 Waterstones Book of the Year.

November 9 - David Yates was announced to receive the prestigious Citizen of Honour in Liverpool, England.

November 10 - MinaLima announced an exclusive midnight launch party to be held on November 18 at 12:01 a.m. GMT in celebration of the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

November 10 - A new teaser poster of Beauty and the Beast was released, thanks to Emma Watson’s tweet.

November 10 - J.K. Rowling gave further information on Albus Dumbledore’s past at a press conference in New York City ahead of the film’s release.

November 10 - The Fantastic Beasts world premiere took place in New York City with numerous red carpet interviews with J.K. Rowling, Eddie Remayne, and more.

November 12 - David Heyman compared the Harry Potter film series with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in an article for the Telegraph.

November 14 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child won the award for Best Play at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards in London.

November 14 - We received a first look at Holliday Grainger and Tom Burke in the filming of Robert Galbraith’s (J.K. Rowling) Cormoran Strike series.

November 14 - Lumos invited MuggleNet to attend J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts benefit screening at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.

November 14 - Universal Orlando Resort launched the online Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes Challenge.

November 15 - The UK received its own Quidditch Premier League with the launch of eight teams competing for the title.

November 15 - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child made it to the final round of the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Fantasy.

November 16 - NYC & Company collaborated with Warner Bros. to launch a Fantastic Beasts-inspired campaign known as Fantastic NYC.

November 16 - VIDEO - The Beauty and the Beast trailer shattered records for the most views in 24 hours with total views amounting to a whopping 127.6 million (excluding China).

November 17 - The Harry Potter Film Concert Series added additional international tour dates, and the show conductor, Justin Freer, spoke of his excitement for the tours to come to the UK.

November 17 - Universal Studios Japan debuted its first-ever Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

November 17 - James Newton Howard discussed how it felt to score Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and to join J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.

November 18 - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay and the film were released.

November 19 - Newt Scamander: A Movie Scrapbook and J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World: A Pop-Up Gallery of Curiosities were released, which feature prop design and pull-outs from Fantastic Beasts and pop-up scenes from Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter, respectively.

November 20 - Fantastic Beasts dominated the weekend box office with a whopping $218.3 million worldwide.

November 22 - Warwick Davis became set to cover a new documentary called Fantastic Beasts and J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, which will provide exclusive access to the Fantastic Beasts cast and crew and J.K. Rowling herself.

November 25 - VIDEO - Sam Clemmett, who plays Albus Potter in Cursed Child, talked to Pottermore of his experience in the play production.

November 26 - J.K. Rowling kindly sent Harry Potter books to a seven-year-old girl in Aleppo, Syria.

November 30 - VIDEO - Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson donated sunglasses to Specs Appeal, run by Sightsavers, which works to improve the lives of those with sight loss.

November 30 - Matthew Lewis visited schools in Leeds, England, to discuss career aspirations and his Harry Potter experience.

December
December 1 - Cursed Child producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender were in advanced talks for the show to open at New York's Lyric Theater in the spring of 2018.

December 1 - Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them passed the 500-million-dollar mark in its second week.

December 2 - Cursed Child was nominated for 11 WhatsonStage awards, including Best New Play and Best Direction.

December 2 - VIDEO - Fantastic Beasts: Cases from the Wizarding World was released for Android, iPad, and iPhone.

December 3 - Universal Studios Hollywood removed the 3D effects on its Forbidden Journey ride, citing complaints such as motion sickness and dizziness.

December 7 - Cursed Child won for Best Fantasy in the Goodreads Choice Awards.

December 8 - The first wave of talent was announced for 2017's A Celebration of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.

December 10 - Cursed Child became Amazon's bestselling, most gifted, and most wished-for book of 2016.

December 11 - Hollywood professionals named Hermione Granger their favorite female film character.

December 14 - A recently discovered species of spider was named Eriovixia gryffindori, after Godric Gryffindor, due to its similarity in appearance to Gryffindor's Sorting Hat.

December 20 - J.K. Rowling announced her newly redesigned interactive website, which crashed shortly thereafter with all her fans trying to access it.

December 21 - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter was named the UK's most popular tourist attraction.

December 24 - J.K. Rowling offered a Christmas message of kindness, caring, and hope via her Twitter account.