Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History Set for BBC One

BBC One has commissioned Fantastic Beasts: A Natural History (working title), produced in partnership with Warner Bros. and London’s Natural History Museum and presented by Stephen Fry.

The documentary will explore the origins and stories of the mythical creatures that appear in Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s stories, investigating their history and connections with animals that roam the planet today. This special will bring viewers on a journey from the hidden corridors of London’s Natural History Museum to Siberia and Madagascar, taking a closer look at centaurs, birds of paradise, the phoenix and Rowling’s nifflers, erumpents and more.

Further, the doc will feature the Natural History Museum’s Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature exhibition. Set to open in spring 2020, it will showcase the creative power of film, television, literature and science.

Charlotte Moore, BBC director of content, said: “The BBC is world-renowned for its amazing natural history programming and it is a delight to bring the natural world and Wizarding World together on BBC One.”

Mike Gunton, executive producer and creative director of the BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, said: “This incredible partnership between three of the U.K.’s leading institutions will bring an astonishing array of creatures to our screens. We are thrilled to be working with these talented partners to bring natural history content to a wider young audience.”

Fry added: “I could not be more delighted to be a part of this magnificent opportunity for us Muggles to show the wizarding world that the fantastic beasts in our world are more than a match for theirs. Joining forces with the combined powers of the fabulous BBC, its legendary Natural History Unit and the magical Natural History Museum, we hope to be able to bring you closer than you’ve ever been to some of the most spectacular and extraordinary creatures ever seen.”

Josh Berger CBE, president and managing director at Warner Bros. Entertainment UK and president of Harry Potter global franchise development, said: “It is hugely exciting to be working with the Natural History Museum and the BBC Natural History Unit, such iconic British institutions, on a project which has such a great purpose at its heart. I hope both fans of the Wizarding World and the natural world will enjoy the exhibition and documentary immensely.”