I think I know why these Harry Potter prequels are no where near as good as the original series. These are written directly for the screen. J.K. didn’t write a series of “Fantastic Beasts” books first and then adapt them for films. Because of this, I believe, there isn’t the same kind of depth, characterization or interesting plots we could have had if she’d taken the time to write them as novels first.

Either way, I don’t think anything could make Newt Scamander a compelling leading character.