![]() I do believe that explicitly revealing that Newt is on the spectrum has its benefits, such as greater visibility and representation for autistic people. He's mere existence is pushing the boundaries of what a hero can be like, while conveying the message that everyone has their own unique strengths and capabilities. Furthermore, even without a diagnosis/label, Newt's character is already challenging the action hero archetype: he's not charismatic, traditionally manly or aggressive. Leaving his condition ambiguous would make him relatable to more people. ![]() There are many people with social anxiety/social difficulties who also connect with Newt too. I agree that viewers should be free to interpret the character how they want, if it helps them feel empowered and validated. But the scenes where someone saw Newt for the amazing person he was - those melted my heart :) I had a hard time caring about what was happening. ![]() And what's more, I think this movie shows everyone how there isn't a specific type of person that is useful in the world, each unique individual brings their own set of skills to the situation.Īlso, I really didn't like the movie for plot- and pacing-related reasons. People have an easier time understanding an individual with a condition than the condition itself. Showing someone who is less-than-neurotypical like Newt already opens folks eyes to the variety of human experience. Plenty of folks have an idea of what autism is, but that idea is not reality, or maybe that idea is a small part of the reality. This is a realm where normies unknowingly "decide" what a condition is like, without trying to really understand. Same with a lot of things with mental health. The neurotypical community doesn't always understand what an Aspergers diagnosis would mean. I think that message is powerful regardless of what specific stuff is going on with Newt. Viewers of many diagnoses will find things to relate to, and they'll be able to see how this character struggles in certain aspects of life but thrives in others. I think there's more power if Newt's condition (or lack thereof) is left ambiguous. But I hope JK Rowling / the team don't feel tempted to comment and settle the debate. I think this could be true, and I considered it while watching the movie. It's nice to know that one of the world's most successful fiction writers is interested in portraying us in a humanising way.Īny thoughts? About Newt Scamander or just representation of autism in general. Rowling, which makes this all the more better. It appears that Newt was intentionally written to be an autistic person by J.K. He defies the common movie stereotype of autistic people being cold and apathetic, and instead portrays an autistic person as being capable of empathy and kindness. I personally relate to Newt a lot and think that he is great representation. Newt Scamander, the protagonist of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, displays many classic signs of autism such as his aversion to eye contact, his tendency to speak bluntly, his awkward mannerisms and his special interest in magical creatures.
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