This image was posted on Facebook by JK Rowling
In a Q& A on Twitter, Harry Potter creator JK Rowling obliquely referred to the existence of an American version of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the possibility that it would appear in the forthcoming film adaptation of
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.
When asked what the name of the American school would be, Ms Rowling said:
Here's what she did tell fans - the school is not in New York.
Fantastic Beasts' protagonist Newt Scamander will be meeting students or former students of the school in the film.
It will not be called 'The Salem Witches' Institute' (that's a 'joke'):
The name of the school will be of 'immigrant origin' and 'indigenous magic' plays a part in its history:
Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne has been cast as Newt Scamander, 'mazizoologist' and fictional author of the book-wthin-a-book
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (magizoology is the study of magical creatures).
Ms Rowling, 49, declared herself thrilled by the casting a week ago on Twitter:
The other leading roles in the film have not been cast yet. Ms Rowling is making her screenwriting debut with the spinoff film. David Yates, who directed the final four films in the
Harry Potter series, has signed up to direct this one as well. He will share writing credits with JK Rowling and Steve Kloves, who adapted all six Harry Potter novels for the big screen.
The film is scheduled to release in November, 2016.