Note: This post contains spoilers from the Fantastic Beasts series.

For once this post will be up around the time I’d hoped! I’ve got more time at the moment, meaning I can return to my blogging with a little less stress. After the release of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald last week, I felt as if it was obvious who this month’s character would be dedicated to.

Newt Scamander | Fantastic Beasts Series

It’s impossible not to love Newt Scamander. Although, he’s mentioned only briefly in the world’s original books, his character is developed beautifully in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Known for his eccentric mindset, the story initially follows his travels to America for research purposes, before getting tied up in MACUSA affairs and the eventual wizarding war against Grindelwald.

However, the main reason I feel as if Newt’s character outshines all others within the series is his kindness. I know, how incredibly Disney. However, Newt is a consistently kind man. This trait is one that’s constantly overlooked, but this character embodies it and creates an all-round beautiful person. He’s kind to every creature and person he comes into contact with, even being respectful to those whose beliefs he doesn’t necessarily agree with. For example, whilst being interrogated by Graves for the contents of his case, Newt can’t comprehend why someone would use an obscurus, caring more for preserving and learning from it than causing harm; he doesn’t know how to even use one for evil.

Another one of the many reasons to love this character is his uniqueness; there is hardly a character as eccentric as him. Newt is completely aware of the fact that he doesn’t particularly fit in the world around him, yet takes it in his stride; not once does he see it as a setback. Whilst caring for his creatures, he adapts and moves on their grounds, regardless of how ‘odd’ it may appear to others around him. He’s unapologetic for his interests, adoring his profession regardless of the fact that society thinks differently. Personally, he reminds me of Doctor Who‘s the Doctor, with his whimsical ways and welcoming smile that you can’t help but follow.

There is also the large factor that the character may also be on the autism spectrum, which is a huge importance to those who find themselves relating to the character. Although, J.K. Rowling hasn’t commented on this fact, many fans of the series have drawn their own conclusions, including the actor of Newt Scamander himself. Autism wasn’t recognised in the 1920’s, so I doubt they’ll be any confirmation of this diagnosis, but the representation of this condition where it isn’t the focal point of the story is amazing; Newt is an incredible protagonist and would be so inspiring for children who may resonate with his characteristics. I’m really hoping J.K. Rowling will confirm it for us at least.

Who is Newt Scamander?

Full name is Newton Artemis Fido Scamander.
British wizard, famed Magizoologist and author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he was sorted into Hufflepuff House until his expulsion. After taking the blame for Leta Lestrange’s endangering experiments involving a Jarvey, he was expelled for the possession of the creature in her place. Albus Dumbledore, Newt’s Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher argued strongly against this, but it is unclear whether that helped his case. However, he was able to keep his wand, which hints towards that fact.
He joined the Ministry of Magic, where he spent two years in the Office for House-Elf Relocation before joining the Beast Division.
He was commissioned by Obscurus Books to write Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in 1918, where it became a best-seller and made Scamander a respected expert in Magizoology.
Gained interest in animals at a young age from his Mother, who was a Hippogriff Breeder.
Has an older brother, Theseus, known as a war hero in the First World War and Head of the Auror Office.
Described as a tall, thin wizard with brown hair and blue eyes. His usual attire includes a blue coat, brown vest, white shirt, bow tie, and brown trousers and boots. He also owns a Hufflepuff scarf which he wears often. During his time in Paris in 1927, he is shown wearing a grey woolen coat, as his usual unkempt looks became more ragged due to his international travel ban which troubled him deeply.
Has four distinctive scars of his left hand that resemble a Murtlap bite. This would explain how Newt knew what a “bad reaction” to the bite entailed, since no wizards before Newt dared to go near the creatures.
Described as eccentric, and felt more comfortable around creatures than he did around other people. He admitted that most found him annoying.
Wasn’t the sort to discriminate based on heritage or beliefs, meaning that he was courteous with non-magical individuals. He was morally astute, expressing discontent at cruelty, such as the idea of using an Obscurus for personal gain.
However, he was known for making more choices in his youth, which Albus Dumbledore explains that Newt was aware of the price of his actions, yet morally bounded to do the right thing without any regard for safety or personal gain.
Has dealt with hazardous situations well, having faced some of the most dangerous beasts in the world, as well as Dark Wizards, proving him to be a capable and powerful wizard.
Although, it has not been confirmed that he played Quidditch, when Mary Lou Barebone asked if he is a “seeker of truth”, he replied “I’m more of a chaser, really” which implies as such.

Note: Newt Scamander is portrayed by Eddie Redmayne in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.

Favourite Quotes

“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure Muggle purchasers that the amusing creatures described hereafter are fictional and cannot hurt you. To wizards, I say merely: Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus.”
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them book

Newt Scamander: I need to get going. Find everyone who’s escaped, before they get hurt.
Jacob Kowalski: Before they get hurt?
Newt Scamander: Yes, Mr Kowalski. For they’re currently in alien terrain surrounded by millions of the most vicious creatures on the planet… Humans.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film

Newt Scamander: [strapping body protection onto Jacob] Now there’s absolutely nothing to worry about.
Jacob Kowalski: Tell me, has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?
Newt Scamander: Well, my philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film

Mary Lou: Are you a seeker? A seeker after truth?
a beat.
Newt: I’m more of a chaser, really.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay

[After Tina stops Theseus from attacking them]
Tina Goldstein: That’s your brother?
Newt Scamander: I think that might have been the best moment of my life.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald film