Meet The New Magical Creatures From ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’

Newt Scamander loves a good creature. “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” largely focuses on Johnny Depp’s titular villain, but the Wizarding World film hasn’t forgotten the other titular characters: the beasts. Eddie Redmayne’s magizoologist will introduce audiences to a few new beings in the new movie.

The Chupacabra is one magical beast that fans may have actually heard of before. The bloodsucker is legendary, but the “Fantastic Beasts” version is rather pint-size.

The Irish Phoenix, also known as the Augurey, will appear as well. The shy bird loves heavy rain because that’s when it hunts for food. Its diet includes fairies and insects.

The Zouwu is a Chinese creature, and it’s anything but small. It’s essentially an elephant-sized feline, but it’s very fast. It can travel up to 1,000 miles per day.

Kelpies were introduced to those who read J.K. Rowling’s “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” and they were mentioned a couple times in the “Harry Potter” books. The encyclopedia describes the beast as a water demon who is also a shapeshifter. If someone tries to ride it, the Kelpie will dive straight to the bottom of the lake or eat the rider. Wizards who can get a bridle over the Kelpie’s head will be able to handle it, so let’s hope Newt remembers a good Placement Charm.

Also new is the Matagot, seen at the 1:28 mark in the trailer at the top of the page. The French Ministry of Magic uses the spirits, which resemble hairless Sphinx cats, as security. Matagots are generally pretty laid back — unless you provoke them.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” isn’t just giving fans Nifflers this time, but also Baby Nifflers! It turns out the sneaky creatures can have six to eight babes in a litter, so fans will have plenty of cute, mischievous little guys in this flick.

Expect plenty of other familiar friends as well. Pickett the Bowtruckle is back, and fans will see others like the Thestrals, Firedrakes and Adult Nifflers too.

Check out these new creatures and more when “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” hits theaters Friday.