Harry Potter prequel set to be filmed in Liverpool

Wands at the ready, the Harry Potter prequel “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is going to be shot in our fave city centre.

Crew have already been spotted preparing the scenes over these past few weeks at St George’s Hall and the Three Graces in Pier Head, while 530 cast and crew are due to join us later in the year.

The film will be produced by David Heyman, who produces all eight films from the series.

He told the ECHO: “We are thrilled to be bringing ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ to Liverpool, a city which has such fond memories for me.

“My mother is from Liverpool and, as a child, we would often visit family there.

“The architecture in this beautiful city works perfectly for our film, set in 1920s New York, and I know we will receive a very warm welcome.”

According to Warner Bros. Pictures, Liverpool is the only non-studio filming location for the new film and the shooting will begin soon in city centre sites.

Liverpool will also be hosting a red carpet event for the stars who, announced by JK Rowling, include Oscar winner and The Theory of Everything star, Eddie Redmayne who will be playing a lead role as the Newt Scamander. Other stars include Tony Award winner Dan Fogler, Golden Globe Award winner Samantha Morton and Colin Farrell.

Councillor and assistant mayor Wendy Simon, responsible for the Liverpool Film Office, stated that the whole cast and crew will be welcomed in a the warmest way possible, and is hopeful that the production will contribute to the City’s local economy.

As you can imagine our students are pretty happy about the announcement.

Psychology second year Danielle Goodwin said: ”I’ll definitely be there with my binoculars- I wouldn’t mind Neville Longbottom’s autograph either! I’d love to grab a selfie with Voldemort.”

Helen Quinn, a third year psychology student was thrilled to find out. ”I am really excited for some of the new movie to be filmed here. As a life long Harry Potter fan it is quite exciting to think that a city I live in will appear in the movie. I will definitely be around the city looking to spot some of the stars especially Eddie Redmayne.”