FIERCE CREATURES

Eddie Redmayne and David Yates assess the savagery of Beasts 2’s new critters

Zouwu

__You’re going to want to keep your distance from the Zouwu, a huge Yeti-like creature. “The Zouwu is probably the most powerful beast,” says Redmayne. “It can travel a thousand miles in a day. It can be incredibly savage or dangerous when it’s damaged. It’s been locked up, chained up, so it’s got a lot of anger.”

matagot

__These cats with giant blue eyes are trained for protection, but are only dangerous if you cross them. “They’re spirit familiars,” says Redmayne. “They guard the French Ministry Of Magic. They almost guard the bureaucracy. If you attack them they turn vicious, but once they’re outside they’re incredibly gentle.”

kelpie

__ It might look formidable, with its enormous size and storm of green tendrils, but a kelpie, which lives in Newt’s personal collection, is unlikely to do you much damage unless you spook it. “It’s like a big seahorse,” says Yates. “It’s beautiful and slightly bonkers. Every so often, Newt has to calm it down, like a horse-whisperer.”

Augurey

__ You’re absolutely safe with an augurey. It’s an idiot. “It’s really just a fun, fruity bird,” says Yates. “It lives in Newt’s basement and it’s just very sweet and daffy.” Approach with absolutely zero caution. OLLY RICHARDS