The Oscar-winning actor is set to play Newt Scamander in the 'Harry Potter' spin-off, Warner Bros. Pictures has announced.
- Jun 2, 2015
AceShowbiz - It's official. Eddie Redmayne has signed up to star in an adaptation of "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" from J.K. Rowling, author of "Harry Potter" book series. The British actor, who won numerous accolades including an Academy Award for his performance as Stephen Hawking in "The Theory of Everything", is set to play Newt Scamander in the "Harry Potter" spin-off.
Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures, announced Redmayne's casting on Monday, June 1. "Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today's most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors," he said. "We are thrilled to welcome him into J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World, where we know he will deliver a remarkable performance as Newt Scamander, the central character in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'."
David Yates, who directed the last four "Harry Potter" films, is on board as director for "Fantastic Beasts". He said of Redmayne, "Eddie is a fearless actor, brimming with invention, wit and humanity," before adding, "I couldn't be more excited about the prospect of working with him as we start this new adventure in J.K. Rowling's wonderful world, and I know she feels the same way."
Scamander is the Wizarding World's preeminent magizoologist, who in his travels has encountered and documented a myriad of magical creatures, ultimately leading to his penning the Hogwarts School textbook "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them".
Rowling and Yates team up with David Heyman, Steve Klove and Lionel Wigram, who all have worked on "Harry Potter" films, to executive produce the upcoming spin-off. The movie is slated to be released in 3D and IMAX theaters in the U.S. on November 18, 2016.
Recently, it was reported that Saoirse Ronan, Dakota Fanning and Lili Simmons and Alison Sudol were circling the role of Tina. Meanwhile, Kate Upton, Katherine Waterston and Elizabeth Debicki were said vying for the role of Tina's older sister, Queenie. Additionally, Steve Zissis, Zack Pearlman and Dan Fogler were rumored as candidates to play Jacob, Newt's rival.
