Special Test Screening of “Fantastic Beasts” in Chicago – We Have Spoiler-Free Details

by · July 20, 2016

Earlier tonight, movie-goers in Chicago, Illinois, were fortunate enough to experience the first test screening of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which was held at the Regal Cinemas City North Stadium 14 theater.  Those in attendance had to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA) prior to the film’s start, but a few non-spoiler snippets have surfaced regarding the “fantastic” film they saw.

The experience began over the weekend with subtle invitations to theater patrons to see a “new action-adventure movie” from Warner Bros. on Wednesday night. Many Harry Potter films had a similar screen testing in Chicago in prior years, so there was a good chance that it was going to be Fantastic Beasts. MuggleNet is certainly as excited as all of the fans are for any news related to the film’s setting within the 1926 New York wizarding world, and we are not disappointed with what we were told about the film!

What we can reveal from the screen test version is this:

  • It is more adult-oriented and interesting to see how adult wizards exist and live in society.
  • That said, this may also be the funniest movie of all the wizarding world films. The humor worked for the most part, and the audience really enjoyed most of the jokes. There may have even been some hidden adult jokes.
  • The wizarding world in the United States is much stricter and scarier than Britain’s wizarding world.
  • Beasts will not disappoint, but they do not steal the show.
  • Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) and Alison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein) steal the movie with brilliant performances.
  • It was HIGHLY recommended that viewers know the wizarding world laws and magical nuances before seeing this film. Muggles (sorry… “No-Majs”) will not get any explanations to the magical world.
  • Newt is fighting a good fight, which makes the fans appreciate the magical beasts.
  • Finally, our team was not disappointed and said the fans should look forward to a fantastic new film this fall.

According to eyewitness accounts, both David Heyman and David Yates were in attendance at the theater, and a focus group discussion followed the standard filling out of surveys for the filmmakers to peruse. While special effects were not complete on the film, early previews such as these help in the editing room and affect/improve the overall quality of the finished product.

How do you feel about Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them now? Are you as excited as we are? Let us know in the comments below.