The film's director, David Yates certainly hopes so. Although he included a considerable number of 'call-backs' to the previous films and books, he was keen for the film to work on its own.
"It is a delicate process [incorporating the Deathly Hallows], and we
hope that people will be able to enjoy this movie without having too
much prior knowledge," he says. "Fingers crossed. That they don't need
to have absorbed seven books and eight movies. That's really for the
people who love the world, and it's for them to enjoy that kind of
stuff."
Thrillist: HOW 'FANTASTIC BEASTS' CHANGES THE HARRY POTTER UNIVERSE
The film's producer, David Heyman also feels the same way.
DAVID HEYMAN: It’s interesting, that. I think that’s both a blessing and a burden. I mean, it’s a burden in the sense that people—you know, not “burden…” it’s not Harry Potter, so you don’t have that to hang it on. At the same time it’s quite nice that you don’t have people going, “They left that out! And this happens!” That’s kind of liberating in a way.
I think this film stands for what will be enjoyed by Potter fans but also people who haven’t seen (those movies). You don’t have to be a Harry Potter fan to watch this and enjoy it. I think it stands on its own two feet. If you have seen the Potter films, there are echoes to those stories that are enjoyable, and I think if we carry on with the series, I think those will become more explicit. I think people really enjoy it, but I think they’ll enjoy it just on this film.
‘Fantastic Beasts’ Producer David Heyman on the Future of the Franchise
and
What I think is so wonderful about this film is — and what Jo has
written — is it can stand on its own. You don’t have to have read a
single Harry Potter book or seen a single Harry Potter film to enjoy
it. And yet, if you have, there’s a wonderful additional experience of
this story.
Fantastic Beasts Producer Says Movie ‘Can Stand on Its Own’
