'Fantastic Beasts' panel discussion falls flat

ANAHEIM, Calif., June 23 (UPI) -- Despite best efforts from Harry Potter-related social media accounts, the recent live-streamed VidCon Q&A session was not well received by fans of the franchise.

In anticipation of the upcoming Potter-themed film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the official Fantastic Beasts Twitter and other Potter outlets invited fans to a live panel discussion which asked fans to share their excitement and ask questions about the film.

The moderators, attendees soon learned, were not related to the film or the franchise but instead were YouTube stars whose only direct connection with the movie was a visit to the set.

Though the panel was a bit of a let down, the excitement for the film itself has only grown since the full trailer was released in April.

The movie, based on characters from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter universe, tells the story of Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne, who devoted his life to the study and classification of magical creatures. Scamander finds himself in New York City in the 1920s, and drama ensues when some of his magical creatures get loose in the city.

Colin Farrell, Ron Perlman, Jon Voight, and Dan Fogler also star.

Fantastic Beasts hits theaters in November.