London – Best-selling author JK Rowling described herself as “the most fortunate person in the world,” at the London premiere of her new film on Tuesday.
Rowling, who wore a sparkling gold coloured dress, was visibly moved as she discussed the new Harry Potter-universe film “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.”
During a red carpet interview with the BBC, Rowling reflected on her career as the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book, which was first published in 1997, approached.
“Other than the birth of my children and marrying my husband, finding out I was going to be published was the best moment of my life,” the 51-year-old said.
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ London Premiere – November 15, 2016 – London, – J.K. Rowling attends the European premiere of ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’ at Empire Leciester Square. (Credit Image: © Ferdaus Shamim via ZUMA Wire)
The film, directed by David Yates who directed the four most recent Harry Potter films, is the first of five planned films in the “Fantastic Beasts” series, and Rowling said she was very proud of her screenwriting debut.
Hundreds of fans in London’s West End withstood drizzling rain to catch a glimpse of the film’s stars including Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, who plays the film’s leading role – that of wizard Newt Scamander.
The film’s action takes place in New York decades before the events of the other Harry Potter films.
The original Harry Potter books have sold more than 450 million copies worldwide in 73 languages. Combined, the original seven films have grossed nearly 7.8 billion dollars.
-dpa
